KUDOS April 2019 Travel Issue

NEWPORT BEACH | LIVING LOCAL 

APRIL 2019 

Travel 

PRSRT STD 

US POSTAGE 

PAID 

LONG BEACH, CA 

PERMIT #2379 

**ECRWSSEDDM** 

POSTAL CUSTOMER 

Luxury Cruising 

with Oceania 

The Other Newport 

Base Camp: Denver 

Newport Beach Film Festival at 20 

kudosnb.com

An Invitation to 

Discover the World 

2 KUDOS Newport Beach | April 2019

SEPTEMBER 12th, 2019 

Oceania Sirena | KUDOS NB/Torres Winemaker Cruise 

Monaco to Barcelona - 7 days 

Join KUDOS Newport Beach Magazine as it hosts an exclusive Torres winemaker 

cruise which includes one (1) Group Cocktail Party, a Winemaker's Dinner, and one 

(1) Wine Tasting Session as part of your on-board itinerary. 

Bodegas Torres, founded in 1870, is the largest winery in Spain and one of the most 

prestigious wineries in the world. Located in Vilafranca del Penedès, and with a global 

presence in more than 150 countries, the winemaker also operates Marimar Estate in 

California and Miguel Torres in Chile. Some of the most famous wine labels are; Viña 

Sol, Sangre de Toro, De Casta, Coronas, Atrium, Viña Esmeralda, and the brandy 

labels Torres 5 and Torres 10. 

Your trip also includes Round-trip Airfare, 4 FREE shore excursions, UNLIMITED 

internet, and Pre-Paid Gratuities. 

BOOK 

TODAY! 

Visit http://bit.ly/2RItg1b 

SEPTEMBER 29th, 2019 

Oceania Marina | VeganCruisade 

Lisbon to Monte Carlo - 7 days 

VeganCruisade is the first ever Plant Based Vegan Cruise. Join us for 7 days of fun and 

entertainment aboard the luxurious MS Marina and experience Oceania’s 

award-winning cuisine. Choose from 250 plant-based vegan dishes and never pay 

extra in any of the on-board specialty restaurants. Includes FREE Airfare, 4 Shore 

Excursions, 

Unlimited Internet, Pre-Paid Gratuities, Vegan Group Cocktail Party, and Gourmet 

Vegan Menus. 

Visit http://bit.ly/2SRcZEr 

OCTOBER 8th, 2019 

Oceania Riviera | Fall Foliage Cruise with Mainly Mozart 

Montreal to New York 11 days 

Enjoy Private Performances by Well-Known Musicians such as John Kimura Parker. 

Adam Martindale 

Food & Wine Group Specialist 

206 • 399 • 2138 

amartindale@cruiseplanners.com 

Includes FREE Airfare, 6 Shore Excursions, and Pre-Paid Gratuities. 

Visit http://bit.ly/2Fr3Yy5 

DECEMBER 7th, 2019 

Oceania Sirena | Stars of the Vine Coastal Wine Cruise 

Round-Trip Los Angeles - 7 days 

Sit back and relax as the Luxury Oceania Sirena sails to 5 different wine regions in 

California & Mexico. Experience wineries in Napa, Sonoma, Monterey, Santa Barbara 

and Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico. 

cruisewinetravel.com 

Includes 4 Shore Excursions, Wifi, and Pre-paid gratuities. 

Visit http://bit.ly/2M8zi5P 

KUDOS Newport Beach | April 2019 3

NEWPORT BEACH | LIVING LOCAL 

EDITOR 

SPEAKS 

the spice of life! 


KUDOS Newport Beach 

PUBLISHER 

Ana Launes | ana.launes@kudosnb.com 

EDITOR 

Donna Bunce | dbunce@kudosnb.com 

ART DIRECTOR 

Grace Neary | gneary@kudosnb.com 

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 

Cherie Adams | cadams@kudosnb.com 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Dawn Bonker • David Duran 

Randy Harding • Anne Marie Panoringan 

Andrea Poe 

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS 

Ann Chatillon • Kyle Chevalier 

Art Pazornik 

KUDOS Publications 

From Many, ONE 

People, Places, Things & Ideas 

Our publications are your source of 

insightful and inspirational local content 

KUDOS Newport Beach is a monthly publication 

distributed via the US Postal Service. The opinions 

expressed in our published works are those of the 

author(s) and do not reflect the opinions of KUDOS 

Newport Beach. 

The information contained in this Magazine has 

been obtained by KUDOS Newport Beach from 

sources believed to be reliable. However, neither 

KUDOS Newport Beach nor its authors guarantee 

the accuracy or completeness of any information 

published herein and neither KUDOS Newport 

Beach nor its authors shall be responsible for any 

errors, omissions, or claims for damages, including 

exemplary damages, arising out of use, inability to 

use, or with regard to the accuracy or sufficiency of 

the information contained in KUDOS Newport 

Beach. No portion of this magazine may be 

reproduced in any form without written consent. 

All rights reserved. No part of any KUDOS 

published work may be reproduced, stored in a 

retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by 

any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, 

recording, or otherwise, without written permission 

from the publisher. 

6 KUDOS Newport Beach | April 2019 

YES, IT’S TRAVEL! How often do you have someone ask, ‘What 

travel plans do you have this year?’ And, it is always fun to say 

what you have planned. Right? In my case, it could be a trip to 

Europe, a road trip on Route 66 (yes, I did it with my goddaughter) 

or even a class reunion (which I never miss!). 

This issue is our Travel Issue, so take a look and see if something 

appeals to you. Our Oceania Cruise, for which our magazine is 

hosting a group, has the Europe component covered, as the cruise departs from Monte 

Carlo through Antibes, Portofino, Livorno (Florence and Pisa), Corsica, Mallorca, and 

Valencia to Barcelona. 

Our “Other Newport” story features Newport, Rhode Island, which shares our name and 

waterfront setting, but little else. Its roots as a fishing village with its cobblestone streets, 

flanked by colorful Colonial-era houses is a treat. But, the real “Wowsa” moment comes 

when you visit the Gilded Age mansions lining the waterfront, which the Vanderbilts and 

others called their “summer cottages.” Other highlights include The International Tennis 

Hall of Fame and the Audrain Automobile Museum, featuring a rotating roster of 200 

antique cars dating from 1899 to new releases. 

Denver is our final travel story. The Mile High City’s farm-to-table cuisine, its stunning art 

museum and other cultural offerings, and shopping and dining at Cherry Creek shopping 

center are just a few things to take in. And, don’t forget you are just a day trip away from 

visiting the surrounding areas, which includes Rocky Mountain National Park and its stunning 

views. Hop on Amtrak’s Winter Park Express or the Georgetown Loop Railroad for a more 

in-depth view of the amazing scenery. Don’t miss visiting the City of Golden, which boasts 

six museums, one of the largest Coors breweries in the world and the famed Red Rocks Park 

& Amphitheatre. 

Not a travel story but deserving of mention is the 20th Anniversary of the Newport Beach 

Film Festival, set for April 25 to May 2. The festival, co-founded by Gregg Schwenk and Todd 

Quartararo, has become the leading luxury lifestyle film festival in the country. Also of note 

is the festival’s partnership with Visit Newport Beach in presenting its UK Honours in London 

to showcase the best of UK talent in film, television and music. Held just prior to the BAFTA 

award ceremony, Variety also partners to recognize its annual list of 10 Brits to Watch. 

In closing, I am hoping whatever your spice of life is, you enjoy it! 

Until next time, 

Donna Bunce, Editor 

dbunce@kudosnb.com 

kudosnb.com 

On the Cover: 

Medieval knights, which are chimneys, ventilation 

shafts and staircases, on the roof of Casa Milà, 

the residential building in Barcelona built by the 

ingenious architect Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona is 

one of the visits on the KUDOS Newport 

Beach/Torres Winemaker Cruise on Oceania’s 

newly-renovated Sirena.

TABLE 

of CONTENTS 


18 

featuring 

24 

18 I Luxury Cruising with Oceania I See the world on this 

amazing cruise line 

24 I Base Camp: Denver I Enjoy amazing city and stunning landscape 

experiences 

28 

28 I The Other Newport I Newport, Rhode Island offers New England 

grit and glamour 

32 I A Community Icon at 20 I Newport Beach Film Festival 

32 

departments 

6 Editor Speaks 

10 Plaudits 

16 The Buzz 

22 Town Happenings 

36 Chef’s Corner 

39 Head’s Up! 

42 What’s On 


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PLAUDITS 

noun | plau·dit 

1 : an act or round of applause 

2 : enthusiastic approval 

Newport Beach Jazz Party 

Draws Raves 

3 

6 

1 

4 

2 

Jazz lovers from all over the country 

gathered at the Newport Beach Marriott 

Hotel for the 19th Annual Newport Beach 

Jazz Party. With Sue and Paul Lowden 

taking the reins of the four-day jazz 

extravaganza, the best of the best 

performed, and with a portion of proceeds 

benefiting jazz programs, including 

Newport Harbor High School’s, it was a 

win-win for all. Photography Art Pazornik 

5 

8 

9 

10 

7 


11 

12 

1. Owners of the Newport Beach Jazz Party Paul and Sue Lowden 

and their sons Paul, Jr. and Chris Lowden | 2. Jack Jones opening 

with an all-star big band the opening night of the Newport Beach 

Jazz Party | 3. Jack Jones performing | 4. Star jazz saxophonists 

Houston Person, Harry Allen and Scott Hamilton performing with 

the Emmet Cohen Trio | 5. Newport Harbor High School Jazz 

Band perfomring with jazz stars, from left, Shelly Berg, Tom Scott, 

Chuck Redd and Ken Peplowski | 6. Newport Harbor High School 

Jazz Band sitting in on a band rehearsal | 7. Jeff Hamilton Trio 

with Hamilton on drums, Jon Hamar, bass, and Tamir Hendelman, 

piano | 8. Jazz Party Artistic Director and clarinetist Ken 

Peplowski performing | 9. Vocalist Tierney Sutton performing 

with Tom Ranier (piano), Katie Thiroux (bass) and Matt Witek 

(drums) | 10. Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra | 11. The 

inaugural Newport Beach Jazz Party Painting by Katie Thiroux 

(second to right of painting), whose proceeds benefit art 

programs at Newport Harbor High School, among others. Ken 

Peplowski and Sue Lowden to right | 12. Newport Beach Mayor 

Diane Dixon presenting a city proclamation to Jazz Party 

Founders John McClure and Joe Rothman

PLAUDITS 




4 

1 

2 

Celebrating 

Award Winners! 

Three hundred people gathered at the Fashion Island Hotel to 

celebrate the winners of the 110th Newport Beach Christmas Boat 

Parade and Ring of Lights competition. Hosted by The 

Commodores of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, 

smiles abounded as money was raised for next year’s parade 

through tempting live and silent auctions (with an amazing 275 

items!). 

5 

3 

8 

9 10 

6 

11 

7 

12 

1. 110th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Awards Dinner and Auction | 2. Event Chair 

Marie Case | 3. Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Steve Rosansky 

presenting awards to Parade Chair David Beek and Ring of Lights Chair Joe Stapleton | 4. 

Diana Greenwood, center, with Newport Beach & Co.'s Gary Sherwin and Doug McClain | 5. 

Boat Parade's Santa Claus, James Walker, with Ray and Elizabeth Lewis, who provided the 

official Santa boat for the parade | 6. Ring of Lights Winners Donna Di Bari (1st Place, Lights 

and Animation) and Janet Curci (Daily Pilot/Stunews Award) | 7.Commodores Scott Jones, 

left, and Jim Walker, right, with Kay Walker, center | 8. Commodore Ronald Schwartz with his 

wife Sindi | 9. Commodore Rich Fischbeck with his wife Cristy | 10. Commodores Dorothy 

Larson and Lula Halfacre Andre | 11. Commodore Fashion Island Hotel GM Gerard Widder 

with hotel's Community Relations Manager Barbara Eidson | 12. Dinner dolphin centerpiece, 

courtesy of Commodore Debbie Snavely and the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel 


PLAUDITS 




1 

2 

Heart Disease and Stroke 

Major Topic at Go Red 

for Women Luncheon 

Go Red for Women is the American 

Heart Association’s national movement 

to end heart disease and stroke in 

women. Go Red for Women luncheons 

are held annually all over the country in 

February, and the one in Orange 

County, at Hotel Irvine, saw 400 

women gather to raise awareness of 

the leading cause of death in women, 

cardiovascular disease. 

The crowd-pleasing “purse-onality” 

auction continued its popularity. 

3 

1. Event Chairs Jen and Jim Bastian | 2. Warren 

Johnston, M.D., keynote speaker and AHA Orange 

County board of directors president | 3. Christine 

Wessel, telling her inspiring survival story | 4. AHA 

board of directors member Dave Ferrera and Kim 

Adams | 5. Attendee Sandra Locona with Katie 

Szyman of Edwards Lifesciences, member of AHA 

board of directors and incoming 2020 Go Red for 

Women chair | 6. ABC7's Anabel Munoz, event 

emcee 

5 

6 

4 

3 

1 

2 

All for a Good Cause 

Beauty in Grace, Saddleback Medical Center Foundation’s women’s 

giving circle, held its third annual luncheon at Shady Canyon Golf Club. 

They were celebrating the membership gifts, which raised $74,000 to 

purchase cryoablation equipment for treatment in select early stage 

cancers and a blanket warmer for MemorialCare Breast Center at 

Saddleback Medical Center. Photography Kyle Chevalier 

5 

6 

4 

1. Beauty In Grace Founding Circle members Dawn 

Levine, Diane Libertella, Cecilia Belew, Nora Evans, 

M.D., Norene Norris-Walsh, M.D., Jane Frederick, 

M.D., Chair Cathy Han, M.D., Mary O'Toole, M.D., 

Wende Ludas | 2. Nicole Lewis, M.D., a radiologist with 

the MemorialCare Breast Center, was guest speaker | 

3. Beauty In Grace members Teresa Powell and Kim 

Massoudi | 4. Ellen Huberman, Terry Weaver, Young 

Han, M.D., Trish Toomey, Sally Bender | 5. Jessica 

Denay | 6. Fruity mocktails 


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PLAUDITS 




1 

A Beloved Tradition 

Continues 

The 58th Annual Adoption Guild Patroness Luncheon and Fashion 

Show drew 200 guests to the Balboa Bay Resort in support of HFS 

Adoption and Foster Care. Grayse owners Marie and Kelly Gray, along 

with Susan Stein and William Squire, spoke on the evolution of fashion 

through a runway show featuring vintage looks to today’s styles. 

Models included women from the patroness membership. 

Photography Ann Chatillon 

3 

5 

2 

6 

4 

1. Adoption Guild of Southern California President Chris 

Garber, event co-chairs Michelle Swift and Christine 

Johnson | 2. Grayse owners Kelly and Marie Gray, 

center, with Patroness members Sue Podany and Laurie 

Rounds, right, modeling Grayse fashions | 3. Co-Chair 

Michelle Swift, Patrice Werschmidt, event committee 

member Nancy Collins | 4. Patroness member Sue 

Podany, center, with guests Jeannie Mullin, left and 

Cathy O'Neil, right | 5. Guests Terri DeLong, Nancy 

Cahill, Julie Shwewin, Joanne Sarria | 6. Guests Carol 

Lee and Heidi Miller with committee member and event 

underwriter Pam Selber 

Art Auction Draws 

Art-Loving Guests 

1 

3 

Laguna Art Museum’s 37th annual benefit art auction, touted 

“California Cool,” featured more than 100 important California 

artists and netted more than $268,000 for its exhibitions and 

education programs while pleasing more than 250 art lovers. 

Eighteen works were featured in the live auction, with an additional 

97 works of art offered in the silent auction. 

5 

2 


4 

1. Kirsten Whalen, Sara Warner, LAM Board Chair Lou Rohl, Laguna 

Beach Mayor Bob Whalen | 2. Trustee Emil Monda, center, with Rich 

and Stacie Immesberger (1) | 3. Sue and Gary Grant | 4. Michelle and 

David Fisher, Wendy Aird | 5. Kevin Sperry, Catherine Kaleel, Evan Senn 

| 6. Matt Lawson, LAM Executive Director Malcolm Warner, Betsy and 

Gary Jenkins 

6

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THE 

BUZZ noun | 

1 : creates excitement, hype or a thrill 

2 : generates hype, cool gossip, talk, excitement 

Kim Bates with Balboa Island Museum President Shirley Pepys 

WOMEN AND WISDOM 

Balboa Island Museum, in its new location on Marine Avenue, 

hosted an evening for 70 guests featuring the WSDM (Wisdom) for 

Women Inspiring Female Speaker Series, with the theme, “The 

Rocky Road to Success.” The series was launched seven years ago 

by Kim Bates, a leader in women’s mentorship, coaching and 

empowerment. Bates moderated a panel of influential and 

inspiring women, including: Melissa Friebe (Taco Bell); Stefanie 

Farnsworth Salem (Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival); 

Daphne Freeman (Urban Decay); Nancy Dahan (Brown & Dahan, 

LLP); actress and author Danielle Kennedy and Annie Winter, 

(BVAccel). The discussion centered on the failures and/or tough life 

lessons that women have faced before they reach success. 

BalboaIslandMuseum.org 

Scott Barnhardt, Jerry Mandel, Krysta Rodriguez/Photo: Skye Schmidt 

ACCLAIMED AUTHOR 

TO SPEAK AT LITERACY 

LUNCHEON 

The 12th Annual Gift of Literacy 

Author Luncheon, presented by 

Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy, is 

scheduled for Friday, April 5 at 11 

a.m. The featured author is Lisa See, 

who will speak about her latest 

release, The Island of Sea Women. 

Selected as one of Oprah 

Magazine’s 25 most anticipated 

books for 2019, See is the author of 

such New York Times’ bestsellers as The Tea Girl of Hummingbird 

Lane and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. She is known for 

immersing her readers in captivating tales, rich in Asian history and 

intricate relationships between women. Tickets are $100 per person 

and include an autographed copy of her latest book. For more 

information, contact Literacy Services at 949.717.3874 or email 

Literacy@newportbeachca.gov. 

“OCEAN SOUL” 

The Irvine Barclay Theatre’s National 

Geographic Live! Series is featuring 

one of Nat Geo’s most seasoned 

photographers, Brian Skerry, known 

for his amazing photos in the vast, 

hidden world beneath the waves. The 

presentation is Sunday, April 14th at 

4 p.m. Skerry dives eight months of 

the year, often in extreme conditions 

beneath the Artic ice or in 

predator-infested waters and has even lived at the bottom of the 

sea to get close to his subjects. This past fall, National Geographic 

Books published Ocean Soul, a landmark retrospective of Skerry’s 

photographs. TheBarclay.org 

Brian Skerry 

Year of the Pig Lunar New Year centerpiece 

It’s All About Yellow at South Coast Plaza! 

Yellow Vase, a unique dining concept that combines a bakery, café 

and full-service florist has opened at South Coast Plaza. With five 

locations in the South Bay, the popular and charming establishment 

boasts a cheery interior that includes seasonal yellow flowers and 

whimsical gifts, along with its French café with-a-twist fare and its 

grab-and-go bakery. Yellow Vase doubles as a high-end florist 

known for its creative floral arrangements and, in addition, offers 

catering services and specializes in unique cakes. The café is open 

for breakfast and all-day light, fresh fare with American, French and 

Italian accents. It is located in the Saks Fifth Avenue wing, Level 1. 

SouthCoastPlaza.com 


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NEWPORT BEACH · REDONDO BEACH · PHOENIX · CORONADO 

CATALINA ISLAND · TEMECULA · CARLSBAD · SANTA BARBARA

Luxury Cruising with 

Oceania 

Oceania Sirena ship, future home of Kudos Monaco to 

Barcelona cruise on September 12, 2019 

Article Randy Harding 


Bonifacio, Corsica, France 

Palma de Mallorca, Spain 

City of the arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain 

Park Guell by Gaudi, Barcelona, Spain 

IF YOU ARE AN AVID TRAVELER, THEN YOU KNOW THAT 

TRAVELING ON BOARD A CRUISE SHIP IS STILL ONE OF THE 

MOST ENTERTAINING WAYS TO EXPLORE THE WORLD. The 

ship acts like a floating resort, which magically transports you to 

various ports throughout your trip without the nuisance of having to 

spend time organizing restaurants, hotels or transportation. 

Oceania cruises, the upper premium subsidiary of Norwegian 

Cruise Lines Holdings Ltd., does this better than anyone, and Bob 

Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises explains why. 

“For ships of this size, they are unique in every sense: physical 

size, ambiance, intimacy, and wealth of amenities. With a crew of 

400 for a maximum of 684-guests, the staff-to-guest ratio is 

extraordinary, allowing for uniquely personal service, a level of 

service that you typically find only on ultra-luxury ships that charge 

double the price.” 

Guests and crew develop warm relationships during their cruise, 

and there is absolutely no lack of pampering in any phase of service 

offered. Consequently, Oceania guests are intensely loyal and many 

of them have traveled at least 30 times on these ships. Prior guests 

talk about the ambiance of these ships being unlike any other. 

Each of Oceania’s Regatta-Class ships, the Regatta, Insignia, 

Nautica and Sirena, have four restaurants, which is an unusually high 

number for ships of their size. The entire fleet has a reputation for 

its award-winning culinary programs, and the restaurants do not 

disappoint with delectable cuisine accompanied by fine wines. 

As a sign of their commitment to excellence, the company is 

investing $100 million to completely renovate the vessels. 

"OceaniaNEXT will be the most extensive and comprehensive 

suite of product and guest service enhancements that we have ever 

undertaken," said Binder, which Oceania says will result in “four 

better-than-new-ships." 

Studio DADO, a top Miami interior design firm, is tasked with 

overseeing the project to create the new suites, staterooms and 

public spaces. 

In the first phase of OceaniaNEXT, each ship will return to service 

with 342 new designer suites and staterooms, as well as new décor 

inspired by Oceania’s destinations in its restaurants, lounges, and 

bars. The suites and staterooms have brand new bathrooms, 

closets, windows, doors, furnishings, lighting and cabinetry. 

In-room technological improvements include state-of-the-art TV 

systems in multiple languages offering on-demand movies, itinerary 

and weather updates. Gathering spaces on the ships have new 

Baker and Donghia furnishings and Rubelli and Kravat fabrics. 

Insignia returned to service in December; Sirena returns in May 

2019; Regatta in September 2019; and Nautica in June 2020. In 

addition to the return of their four ships, Oceania announced an 


SEE THE WORLD WHILE EXPERIENCING A LEVEL OF 

SERVICE ONLY FOUND ON ULTRA-LUXURY SHIPS THAT 

CHARGE DOUBLE THE PRICE 

The Grand Staircase OceaniaNEXT Regatta Ship 

The Grand Hall in the New Regatta-Class Ship 

OceaniaNEXT's New Stateroom 

OceaniaNEXT's Owner Suite 

order for two new 67,000 gross ton Allura-Class ships from Fincatieri 

S.p.A. The ships to be delivered in 2022 and 2025, will each 

accommodate approximately 1,200 guests. This new class of 

mid-size cruise vessels will retain the ambiance and design elements 

of the line’s award-winning Marina and Riviera ships while affording 

guests an additional level of comfort with many new luxury 

amenities. 

Oceania’s newly renovated Sirena will be the vessel for the 

KUDOS Newport Beach/Torres Winemaker Cruise on September 

12-19, 2019. The 7-day trip from Monte Carlo to Barcelona, is 

packed with not only spectacular ports, but is also packed with 

numerous benefits and amenities. Included are roundtrip airfare, 4 

shore excursions, unlimited internet, prepaid gratuities, a Welcome 

Aboard Torres cocktail reception, a Torres wine tasting session, and 

a Winemaker dinner that pairs delicious cuisine with fine wines 

provided by Torres. 

The fabulous array of ports includes Monte Carlo, Monaco, home 

of the Monaco Grand Prix, the lavish Prince’s Palace, and the 

beautiful Casino Monte Carlo. Antibes, France, with Musée Picasso 

and Portofino, Italy, one of the most visually stunning ports in the 

Mediterranean are the next stops on the itinerary. Livorno, Italy, the 

fourth port, is a gateway to Pisa and its famous Leaning Tower, and 

Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region and home of the Uffizi 

Gallery, the Duomo, and Michelangelo’s Square. The trip then visits 

the beautiful islands of Corsica and Mallorca. Both ports offer 

spectacular beaches and cuisine. Valencia, Spain, the seventh port is 

known for its world-famous paellas and the breath-taking City of 

Arts and Sciences. The final port on the cruise is magnificent 

Barcelona. Home of architect Antoni Gaudi and his Sagrada 

Familia, the Picasso and Miro Museums, the historic Gothic Quarter, 

and world-famous gastronomy, Barcelona is one of the most 

amazing cities in the world. 

No matter what you like to do when traveling, cruising with 

Oceania offers the best of the best in service, cuisine, fine wine, 

excursions, nightlife, time with friends, or just rest and relaxation. 

See the world while experiencing a level of service only found on 

ultra-luxury ships that charge double the price. 

For more information on Oceania cruises and the KUDOS Newport 

Beach/Torres Winemaker cruise in September, 2019, please call 

Adam Martindale at 206-399-2138, or email at 

amartindale@cruiseplanners.com. 


TOWN 

HAPPENINGS 

A Heart for Helping Others 

CHAPMAN ALUMNA'S NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE 

INSPIRES HER HOSPICE WORK 

Chapman University alumna Michelle Wulfestieg is Orange County’s 2018 

National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Founders Award honoree 

Article Dawn Bonker 


Michelle Wulfestieg, third from left, was among several Orange County leaders honored for their philanthropy by the 

Association of Fundraising Professionals, Orange County, at its annual 2018 National Philanthropy Day celebration. 

CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY ALUMNA MICHELLE WULFESTIEG 

HAS TOLD THE STORY OF HER NEAR DEATH MANY TIMES, 

BUT TEARS STILL SPRING TO HER EYES WHEN SHE RECOUNTS 

THAT WINTER NIGHT IN 2008. 

She had just left a print shop with her completed master’s thesis 

in hand when she suffered a massive stroke, sparked by a congenital 

brain lesion that had caused a childhood stroke that had left her 

partially paralyzed. 

She remembers a paramedic holding her shoulders, begging her 

to hang on. But, the lesion was shutting down her brain. She says a 

near-death experience engulfed her, blanketing her in peace and 

calm. 

“I remember thinking I can’t hang on anymore. This is it. I have to 

go. So I went,” says Wulfestieg (M.A. organizational leadership ’08). 

“I was completely surrounded by God and it had this beautiful 

warm light that surrounded me and I just knew that this is where I 

had come from and this is where I now belonged,” she says with an 

emotion-filled voice. 

But, not just yet, as it turned out. Wulfestieg says she heard what 

she believes were prayers and divine assurance guiding her back to 

life. 

Later, recovery from a coma and brain surgery was nearly 

overwhelming. But, as she struggled, the executive director of 

Southern California Hospice Foundation had a revelation. This must 

be what her clients felt like – wounded, frustrated and in pain. Unlike 

hospice patients, though, she was improving and she became 

convinced it was the reason for her survival. There was just one thing 

to do. Get back to work. 

Today, the foundation is growing and serves thousands of 

terminally ill children and adults and their families who need financial 

help and emotional support. Recently the organization launched a 

campaign to build a nonprofit hospice residence in Orange County. 

For her work, the Newport Beach resident was named 2018 National 

Philanthropy Day Orange County’s Outstanding Founder Award 

recipient. 

“It was exciting and just such a great honor,” Wulfestieg says. 

Among the other honorees were philanthropists Ling and 

Charles Zhang, founders of the Pick Up Stix restaurant chain, and 

the Ueberroth Family Foundation. 

But the day might never have arrived without the support of 

her Chapman community, she says. Chapman was a natural 

choice for her – she is a member of the Scudder family, which 

donated the Albert Schweitzer Collection to the University and 

counts many Chapman Panthers among its members. What she 

couldn’t possibly anticipate, though, was how friendships forged 

in class would help her beyond the classroom. 

“You become very close with these people because you share 

so much of your life with them,” she says. “They all have the same 

passion, the same vision, the same gusto for life and they just 

want to make a difference in their organizations, in their 

community, in their state, their country and in the world.” 

Those friends rallied around during her recovery, as she 

worked to regain speech, mobility and strength. Today, some 

even serve on the board of her organization. 

When commencement arrived, she surprised family, 

classmates and even herself. With help, she rose out of her 

wheelchair and walked across the stage to receive her diploma. 

“I just became determined,” she says. 

That turning point still motivates her as she works to make a 

difference by helping people receive the best quality of life they 

can hope for in their dying days. 

“For me, it’s this – don’t wait. You might not make 84. That’s 

why I wrote a book, typed with one hand and a damaged brain, 

called All We Have is Today. It’s a reminder. There is no guarantee 

of tomorrow.” 


Day Trips Out Of Denver 

Denver skyline 

Article David Duran | Photography Visit Denver 


THE OUTDOOR CITY OF DENVER IS A CITY WITH 

SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS AND 

OFFERS PLENTY OF URBAN ADVENTURES FOR ALL AGES. 

Explore the Mile High City’s farm-to-table cuisine, local breweries 

and even live music venues like the famous Red Rocks Park & 

Amphitheatre. Visit the Denver Art Museum with its famous 

American Indian art and Western art collections, see the giant blue 

bear public art sculpture, shop at Cherry Creek or get an authentic 

western shirt at the iconic Rockmount Ranch Wear. The city of 

Denver can easily fill an itinerary, but don’t forget about all the 

amazingness that lies just beyond the city limits. With Denver’s 

central location, it’s possible to take day trips to explore everything 

the surrounding areas have to offer while making it possible to 

return back to the city in time for dinner. 

Denver Union Station 

Denver Art Museum 

Driving into the Rocky Mountains 

WINTER PARK EXPRESS 

Ready to hit the slopes? With Amtrak’s Winter Park Express, 

getting to the fresh powder for a day of skiing couldn’t be any 

easier. From January 4th to March 31st each year, take the Winter 

Park Express from Denver Union Station to the base of Winter Park 

Resort. Once at the resort, guests can meet with the Adventure 

Concierge to plan a full day of activities including lift tickets, a 

snowshoe tour, tubing hill, snowcat tours, ice-skating, ski bike tours, 

snowmobiling and more. After your day at the resort, hop back on 

the Winter Express to be taken back to Denver’s Union Station via 

the Winter Park Express. 

Amtrak's Winter Park Express

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK TOUR 

On this tour, guests depart in the morning to Estes Park, a 

picturesque town in northern Colorado known as the base of Rocky 

Mountain National Park, with Aspire Tours. The small group tours 

depart from Denver’s Union Station and take guests to experience 

some of Colorado’s stunning mountain landscapes. Throughout the 

multiple stops, guests will have the opportunity for optional hikes or 

to just enjoy extra time snapping photographs of the views. Wildlife 

sightings are expected but never guaranteed. 

Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN AERIAL TOUR 

If you prefer a different view of the national park, consider a day 

spent soaring above the clouds in a small plane. Bluebird Aviation 

will take up to three people on a dreamlike aerial tour over the 

Continental Divide and metro areas. Depending on the time of 

year, it’s possible to see fall colors cascading down the slopes, fresh 

snow on 14,000-foot mountain peaks or the optical phenomena like 

round rainbows known as “glories.” Mountain tours typically fly 

over Rollins Pass, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, 

Blackhawk/Central City, Grand Lake, Moffat Tunnel, the Indian 

Peaks Wilderness area and also offers views of Longs Peak. 

Mountain tours take place when the winds are light, typically in the 

mornings and evenings. 

Rocky Mountain National Park 

GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD 

Journey back in time with a ride on one of 

Colorado's great narrow gauge railroads, the 

Georgetown Loop Railraod. Be astounded by the 

Devil's Gate High Bridge, Rocky Mountain views 

and the engineering marvel that is the 

Georgetown Loop. Reserve a seat in the historic 

Presidential/Waldorf Car. This car is the ultimate 

VIP section. Guests have a dedicated attendant, 

who offers special holiday drinks and snacks. 

Georgetown Loop Railroad 

MT. EVANS SCENIC BYWAY 

The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, just 60 miles 

west of Denver, is the highest paved road in North 

America. A day trip to the top is a journey that 

snakes and climbs through nearly 9,000 feet of 

elevation gain, from the high plains of Denver 

through five climate zones to the 14,264-foot 

summit of Mount Evans, one of 54 peaks in 

Colorado that soar to 14,000 feet and above – the 

famous “fourteeners.” 


THE CITY OF GOLDEN 

The Wild West is still alive in Golden, Colorado's territorial 

capital until 1867. Upon arriving in Golden, you are welcomed with 

an old-fashioned wooden arch over Washington Street reading: 

"Howdy Folks! Welcome to Golden!" Today, it's home to six 

museums, Coors Brewery, one of the largest brewing facilities in the 

world, and a downtown filled with shops and restaurants. The 

famed Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is just up the road. Golden 

is also home to unique museums and cultural attractions. If you're 

looking for outdoor adventure, Golden is also home to miles of 

hiking trails for all levels, some stellar rock climbing and Clear 

Creek, which runs through the center of town and offers whitewater 

rafting and excellent fishing. 

Coors Brewery in the city of Golden 

Red Rocks Park Amphitheater just outside of Golden 

WHERE TO STAY: KIMPTON HOTEL BORN 

Located in Denver’s revitalized LoDo neighborhood and 

anchoring Colorado’s transportation hub, Kimpton Hotel Born is 

Union Station’s perfect partner as the property is located just steps 

from the tracks. Designed to be the pride of the new heart of 

Downtown Denver, the hotel features exquisite details such as 

Bavarian inspired materials to exposed concrete ceilings, from floor 

to ceiling windows to an entirely original art collection of nearly 700 

pieces, all by local artists. Kimpton Hotel Born is the gateway to the 

Rockies and the rest of the beautiful state of Colorado, making it an 

ideal place to set up base camp before departing on day trips to 

explore the surrounding areas. 

Kimpton Hotel Born in downtown Denver 


Newport, Rhode Island Shares Our Name And Waterfront Setting, 

But The Parity Ceases There 

Alva and William Kissam Vanderbuilt's Marble House Dining Room 

Article Andrea Poe 


The famous 635-mile open ocean Newport to Bermuda Race 

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND, THE “OTHER NEWPORT” SITS 

3,000 MILES AWAY FROM NEWPORT BEACH. While these cities 

share a name and are both blessed with a spectacular setting on the 

waterfront, the similarities end there. 

Newport, Rhode Island is a delightful combination of New 

England grit and glamor. Its roots as a fishing village are very much 

in evidence along the cobblestone streets and crooked brick-lined 

lanes that are flanked by colorful Colonial-era houses. Thanks to its 

stunning scenery and cool temperatures, it became the summer 

escape of the Gilded Age for industrialists like the Vanderbilts. The 

aristocratic tone was further bolstered when John F. Kennedy and 

Jackie were married here. Today, Newport is considered one of 

America’s greatest yachting capitals, hosting the America’s Cup, 

Denver Art Museum 

and the Newport Bermuda Race, the challenging 635-mile open 

ocean competition that attracts the world’s greatest sailors. 

Bowens Wharf 

ON THE WATERFRONT 

Along the waterfront, you can ogle some massive yachts, it’s 

true, but Newport also harbors a working fishing fleet. Visitors can 

explore the majestic Narragansett Bay and glide past iconic 

lighthouses aboard a number of boats, including a former rum 

smuggling yacht. But you need not sail to experience the best of 

the waterfront. A visit to twin wharves, Bannister and Bowen, yield 

shopping opportunities that include only-in-Newport souvenirs (a 

pewter whale bottle opener, anyone?), along with preppy tunics 

and locally made bath bombs. 

Bannisters Wharf 


ED “SUMMER COTTAGES” 

image to THE Newport FAMED is not “SUMMER complete COTTAGES” 

without a visit to the 

onuments of A capitalism pilgrimage built to Newport along Bellevue is not Road. complete These without a visit to the 

ates, dubbed colossal “summer monuments cottages” of capitalism by the mega-rich built along of the Bellevue Road. These 

century, were grand constructed estates, dubbed to awe “summer and impress. cottages” Cornelius by the mega-rich of the 

t, the railroad early 20th titan, century, built were the constructed Breakers, an to awe opulent and impress. Cornelius 

quare-foot Vanderbilt, mansion overlooking the railroad the titan, Atlantic built Ocean the with Breakers, an opulent 

alls, silver-encrusted 125,000-square-foot ceilings, mansion and architectural overlooking elements the Atlantic Ocean with 

from French gold gilt chateaus. walls, silver-encrusted Just up the ceilings, street another and architectural elements 

t, Alva, hosted imported lavish from parties French at Marble chateaus. House, which Just up used the street another 

lion cubic Vanderbilt, feet of marble Alva, for hosted its construction. lavish parties Across at Marble the House, which used 

e Elms, a a half-million palace conceived cubic feet by of a marble Philadelphia for its construction. coal Across the 

boasts what street, may The be Elms, the a most palace stunning conceived grounds by in a Philadelphia coal 

with a sunken magnate, garden, boasts marble what pavilions may and be fountains. the most The stunning grounds in 

anchored Newport by socialite with a sunken Doris garden, Duke’s marble extravagant pavilions and fountains. The 

aure-foot street house, is which anchored she owned by socialite until her Doris death in Duke’s extravagant 

39,000-sqaure-foot house, which she owned until her death in 

1993. 

A tour of Cornelius Vanderbilt II's summer home, The Breakers 

The Elms "summer cotage" was built for coal baron Edward Julius Berwind in 1901 


International Tennis Hall of Fame 

Coors Brewery in the city of Golden Cliff Walk that winds along behind the Gilded Age mansions 

BEYOND THE MANSIONS 

It was back in 1881 on the grass courts of the International Tennis 

Hall of Fame that American tournament tennis was born. Today, an 

onsite museum traces the evolution of the game and its players 

through memorabilia like 19th century all-wood rackets. The 

building itself, shake-shingled, gable-peaked and capped with a 

handsome clock tower, is so beautiful that it frequently hosts 

weddings. The world’s top players compete here each year, but 

mere mortals can also book a court for a game or a lesson. 

Just steps away on the very same block, visitors will find Audrain 

Automobile Museum, a small but magnificent space dedicated to 

rare high-octane, high priced cars. The museum displays a rotating 

roster from its collection of 200 antique cars dating from 1899 to 

new releases, including Bugattis, Bentleys and Lamborghinis, many 

customized and one-of-a-kind. Jay Leno, who owns property in 

Newport, is a frequent visitor. 

For outdoor fun, nothing beats a stroll along Cliff Walk, the 

three-and-a-half mile pathway that weaves behind the swank 

Gilded Age mansions, delivering dramatic vistas of the mercurial 

Atlantic Ocean. Here, waves crescendo against the rocks, sending 

sea spray into the air. At certain points, visitors can climb down to 

small coves and plunge their feet into the (typically) chilly water. 

DINE 

Newport is awash with places where you can sample authentic 

New England seafood, harvested from the waters right out front. 

The Black Pearl, a buzzy local favorite is prized for its extraordinary 

clam chowder. The Clarke Cooke House, an 18th century white 

clapboard building with a wonderful warren of dining rooms, serves 

up classics like lobster rolls. And, you can grab a table on the deck 

overlooking the marina at The Mooring to dine on local clams, 

claws and calamari. 

STAY 

Newport has no shortage of charming accommodations. Nestled 

among the twisting streets, you’ll find worthy bed and breakfasts 

that buttress restored historic homes. One of the best is the elegant 

but unfussy Hydrangea House, which puts you in easy walking 

distance of the mansions and museums. To get a taste of what it 

must have been like to be a guest at a Gilded Age mansion, book a 

room at Castle Hill Inn, an estate tucked at the end of the scenic 

Ocean Drive, with dramatic vistas of Narragansett Bay. 

No matter where you anchor yourself, you’ll never be far from the 

waterfront, the soul of the “other Newport.” 

Newport's Clarke Cooke House restaurant at Bannisters Wharf 


A COMMUNITY ICON 

Celebrates Its 

20th Anniversary 

THE NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL IS 

THE LEADING LUXURY LIFESTYLE 

FILM FESTIVAL IN THE NATION 

Article Donna Bunce | Photography courtesy of Newport Beach Film Festival 


“HAVING GROWN UP HERE, BOTH TODD AND I FELT THAT 

THERE WAS NO BETTER BACKDROP FOR AN 

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL THAN NEWPORT BEACH - 

RIGHT UP THERE WITH CANNES AND ITS WATERFRONT 

SETTING,” SAYS GREGG SCHWENK, CO-FOUNDER WITH 

TODD QUARTARARO OF THE NEWPORT BEACH FILM 

FESTIVAL, WHICH CELEBRATES 20 YEARS THIS APRIL. 

As Schwenk remembers, “I was serving on the economic 

development committee for the City of Newport Beach, and we sat 

down in early 1999 with who we felt were the community 

stakeholders in forming a film festival - the mayor, conference and 

visitors bureau, local collegiate film schools, the Orange County 

film commissioner - and formed a board and began planning our 

first festival. By April, we launched.” 

Continuing, Schwenk says, “We wanted the film festival to be in 

April to capitalize on the Oscars. Plus, it was the off-season in 

Newport Beach for hotels and visitors and the festival could give 

the community a nice stream of revenue.” 

Now, 20 years later, the eight-day Newport Beach Film Festival is 

a major film festival and showcases more than 300 films from 50 

countries, attracts more than 55,000 attendees and is the leading 

luxury lifestyle film festivals in the nation. It presents an international 

slate of studio and independent films from emerging and seasoned 

filmmakers, featuring World, North American, U.S. and West Coast 

premieres, as well as an International Spotlight Series celebrating 

foreign language films. Through tributes, special screenings and 

seminars, the festival has honored film industry notables, including 

Aaron Sorkin, Robert Wise, Elmer Bernstein, Alan Arkin, Kate 

Beckinsale, Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Orange 

County’s own McG, and many more. 

The festival has also made a name for its parties. 

“We produce eight parties, one every night,” Quartararo says. 

“The opening night party, the largest, attracts an average of 3,000 

people, and we showcase live bands, 30 area restaurants’ offerings 

and special performances from Las Vegas and Broadway. We call it 

Orange County’s biggest party.” 

2019 UK Honours in London, which recognized Downton Abbey creator, writer 

and executive producer Julian Fellowes, center, with an Icon Award. Joining 

him are NBFF Co-Founder/CEO Gregg Schwenk, left, and VIsit Newport 

Beach President/CEO Gary Sherwin 

Newport Beach Film Festval Co-Founders Gregg Schwenk and Todd Quartararo 

FILM FESTIVAL CATEGORIES 

The Newport Beach Film Festival prides itself on its diversity of 

programming. Along with feature-length narrative films and 

documentaries, programs have been introduced that set the festival 

apart, along with the tried and true, such as the Action Sports Film 

Series. Leslie Feibleman, director of Special Programs and 

Community Cinema, has been on board the festival team since the 

third year. 

“Leslie has been an incredible part of the growth and evolution 

of the film festival,” Schwenk says. 

“My children have grown up with the festival,” Feibleman 

admits. 

Under her watch, an Environmental Film Series has been 

introduced with a curated program of documentary films designed 

to raise awareness of important issues affecting the planet. 

Feibleman has overseen the Art, Architecture + Design Film Series, 

NBFF's Director of Special Programs + 

Community Cinema Leslie Feibleman, right, at 

the film festival in 2011 with actor Robert 

Patrick (”X-Files”, “Terminator 2”, 

“Judgement Day”), who starred in the 

festival's film, “Good Day For It” - Photo: Lou 

Delgado 


2018 Opening Night Gala party at Fashion Island/Photo: Chris Holmes 

2018 Saturday Night Centerpiece Celebration at Newport Beach Country Club 

Sunset Reception at The Resort at Pelican Hill sponsored by Compass. Event 

guests included 2018 Newport Beach Film Festival filmmakers, partners, sponsors 

and more 

launched in 2009, which highlights icons of the creative world 

whose achievements have influenced and inspired a multitude of 

designers, curators, artists and independent filmmakers. Launched 

in 2018, the Culinary Film Series celebrates emerging and 

prominent gourmet chefs, the art of gastronomy, international food 

culture and the craft of winemaking and distilling. The Action Sports 

Film Series, introduced in 2005 in the festival’s early years, has 

emerged as the largest action sports film event in the country. 

“Our community is the epicenter of a thriving action sports 

industry, so it has been a natural fit for us,” Feibleman says. “The 

festival boasts an enthusiastic audience base dedicated to action 

sports cinema, culture and lifestyle.” 

The Shorts Program has been a major showcase since the 

festival’s beginnings 

“It is the largest shorts program within a major film festival in the 

U.S.,” Quartararo says proudly. “NBFF accepts and screens well 

more than 200 short movies culled from submissions received from 

all over the world. During the festival, up to 40 shorts programs are 

presented each year.” 

The Family Film Series, launched in 2003, has been a popular 

series with films geared to filmgoers of all ages. It particularly gives 

young filmgoers an interactive and educational experience through 

Q&A sessions, school visits, workshops, live entertainment and 

autograph sessions. 

The Music Film Series explores the irrevocable experience that 

links music and film through highlighting performances, historical 

headlines and struggling musicians and their stories propelled by 

music. The Music Video Series, created in 2013, celebrates music as 

a cinematic art form and features all forms of musical talent and 

filmmaking styles from around the world. 


Addressing young filmmakers has been a mission for NBFF since 

2004, when it introduced 

Addressing 

the Collegiate 

young filmmakers 

Showcase, 

has 

which 

been 

gives 

a mission for NBFF since 

local colleges and 

2004, 

universities 

when it introduced 

an opportunity 

the Collegiate 

to showcase 

Showcase, which gives 

student-created short 

local 

films 

colleges 

on the big 

and 

screen 

universities 

at the festival. 

an opportunity 

It also 

to showcase 

offers student filmmakers 

student-created 

a chance 

short 

to interface 

films on 

with 

the big 

film 

screen 

industry 

at the festival. It also 

professionals, alumni, 

offers 

media 

student 

and other 

filmmakers 

filmmakers. 

a chance 

A sampling 

to interface 

of 

with film industry 

participating schools 

professionals, 

include Chapman 

alumni, 

University, 

media and 

UCI, 

other 

Cal 

filmmakers. 

State 

A sampling of 

Fullerton, UCLA, USC 

participating 

and OCC. 

schools 

The following 

include 

year, 

Chapman 

the Youth 

University, 

Film 

UCI, Cal State 

Showcase was launched, 

Fullerton, 

which 

UCLA, 

spotlights 

USC and 

short 

OCC. 

films, 

The 

music 

following 

videos 

year, the Youth Film 

and PSA’s created by 

Showcase 

filmmakers 

was 

18 

launched, 

years and 

which 

younger. 

spotlights short films, music videos 

“We are big fans 

and 

of 

PSA’s 

supporting 

created 

the 

by 

filmmakers 

filmmakers 18 

of 

years 

tomorrow,” 

and younger. 

Quartararo says. 

“We are big fans of supporting the filmmakers of tomorrow,” 

The Seminar Series, 

Quartararo 

sponsored 

says. 

by the City of Newport Beach Storm troopers in front of Lido Theater for a 2007 “Star Wars” screening 

Arts Commission, presents 

The Seminar 

a series of 

Series, 

interactive 

sponsored 

panels 

by 

that 

the 

focus 

City of Newport Beach 

on the art of filmmaking. 

Arts Commission, 

The series is free 

presents 

and features 

a series 

talented 

of interactive 

and 

panels that focus 

distinguished film 

on 

industry 

the art of 

professionals. 

filmmaking. The 

This 

series 

year’s 

is free 

theme 

and features 

is 

talented and 

“Vision and Craft: The 

distinguished 

Art of Filmmaking.” 

film industry professionals. This year’s theme is 

The well-received 

“Vision 

Community 

and Craft: 

Outreach 

The Art 

Program 

of Filmmaking.” 

partners with 

more than 40 non-profit 

The 

organizations 

well-received 

and 

Community 

pairs each 

Outreach 

one with 

Program 

a 

partners with 

film that aligns with 

more 

its mission. 

than 40 non-profit organizations and pairs each one with a 

The NBFF’s International 

film that 

Spotlight 

aligns with 

series 

its mission. 

features screenings this 

year of feature films from 

The 

the 

NBFF’s 

Pacific 

International 

Rim – Japan 

Spotlight 

and China 

series 

- as well 

features screenings this 

as a European showcase 

year of 

from 

feature 

Sweden, 

films 

France, 

from the 

Ireland, 

Pacific 

France, 

Rim – Japan 

Italy 

and China - as well 

and Germany. The Actress Kate Beckinsale was 

as 

Latino 

a European 

showcase 

showcase 

features 

from Sweden, 

Chile, Brazil 

France, 

and 

Ireland, presented France, the Italy Woman of 

Screenwriter, director, producer 

Mexico, and the U.K. 

and 

and 

Germany. 

Ireland have 

The 

their 

Latino 

own 

showcase 

spotlights. 

features Chile, Distinction Brazil Award and for 

and playwright Aaron Sorkin 

Beginning in 2015, Outstanding Contribution 

Mexico, 

the 

and 

NBFF 

the 

and 

U.K. 

Visit 

and 

Newport 

Ireland have 

Beach 

their 

have 

taught a master class in 

own spotlights. to Acting at the 2016 NBFF 

screenwritng at the 2011 NBFF 

partnered to present the 

Beginning 

UK Honours, 

in 2015, 

held 

the 

in London 

NBFF and 

just 

Visit 

prior 

Newport 

to 

Beach have 

the BAFTA (British 

partnered 

Academy 

to 

Film 

present 

Awards) 

the 

award 

UK Honours, 

ceremony. 

held 

The 

in London just prior to 

star-studded celebration 

the BAFTA 

includes 

(British 

the best 

Academy 

of UK 

Film 

talent 

Awards) 

from film, 

award ceremony. The 

television and music, 

star-studded 

and starting 

celebration 

in 2017, Variety 

includes 

has 

the 

partnered 

best of 

to 

UK talent from film, 

recognize its annual 

television 

list of 10 

and 

Brits 

music, 

to Watch. 

and starting in 2017, Variety has partnered to 

recognize its annual list of 10 Brits to Watch. 

ORANGE COUNTY FILM SOCIETY AND CINEMA ORANGE 

The Orange County 

ORANGE 

Film Society 

COUNTY 

was created 

FILM SOCIETY 

in 2006 to 

AND 

give 

CINEMA 

film 

ORANGE 

festival goers a year-round 

The Orange 

festival experience. 

County Film Society was created in 2006 to give film 

“We have many 

festival 

Academy 

goers 

and 

a 

Screen 

year-round 

Actors 

festival 

Guild 

experience. 

voters in our 

membership,” Quartararo 

“We 

says. 

have 

“Many 

many Academy 

of the films 

and 

we 

Screen 

showcase 

Actors 

go 

Guild voters in our 

on to become Oscar 

membership,” 

contenders and 

Quartararo 

winners.” 

says. “Many of the films we showcase go 

Cinema Orange, 

on 

created 

to become 

and curated 

Oscar contenders 

by Feibleman 

and 

since 

winners.” 

2004, 

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch attended the pre-BAFTA 2015 NBFF UK Honours in 

is in partnership with Orange 

Cinema 

County 

Orange, 

Museum 

created 

of 

and 

Art 

curated 

and presents 

by Feibleman 

a London, represening "The Imitation Game” 

since 2004, 

monthly documentary 

is in 

film 

partnership 

series with 

with 

filmmaker 

Orange 

appearances 

County Museum 

at the 

of Art and presents a 

museum’s temporary 

monthly 

space in 

documentary 

Santa Ana. 

film series with filmmaker appearances at the 

museum’s temporary space in Santa Ana. 

IN CONCLUSION 

Twenty years later, 

IN CONCLUSION 

Gregg and Todd reminisce about their 

creation, with Gregg saying, 

Twenty 

“We 

years 

are 

later, 

truly humbled 

Gregg and 

by the 

Todd 

positive 

reminisce about their 

accolades from both 

creation, 

the community 

with Gregg 

here 

saying, 

in Newport 

“We 

Beach 

are truly 

and 

humbled 

the 

by the positive 

entertainment community 

accolades 

around 

from 

the 

both 

world.” 

the community 

With Todd 

here 

adding, 

in Newport 

“I 

Beach and the 

gotta say the festival 

entertainment 

has grown far 

community 

beyond our 

around 

expectations, 

the world.” 

and 

With Todd adding, “I 

we are thrilled to see 

gotta 

what 

say 

it is 

the 

today.” 

festival has grown far beyond our expectations, and 

Newport Beach Film we Festival are thrilled | April to 25 see to what May 2it is today.” 

At press time, there were no announcements about the opening 

night’s featured Newport film Beach or Film celebrity Festival honorees. | April 25 to May Check 2 

NewportBeachFilmFest.com At press for time, details. there Tickets were no will announcements be available on about the opening 

night’s featured film or celebrity honorees. Actress Keira Check Knightley attended the 

April 1. 

pre-BAFTA 2015 NBFF UK Honours in 

NewportBeachFilmFest.com for details. Tickets will be available on 

London, representing "The Imitation Game," 

April 1. 

which was named Best Picture and Best 

Ensemble Cast for NBFF and UK Honours

CHEF’S 

CORNER 

A Well-Seasoned Establishment: 

Revisiting Prego’s Prego’s 

Classic Classic Fare Fare 

Short Rib served over polenta cake, sprinkled with parmigiana and fresh herbs 

Article Anne Marie Panoringan 


PHILANTHROPY. PERSEVERANCE. PERFECTIONIST. Prego 

Mediterranean may have changed their address, but Executive 

Chef/Partner Ugo Allesina’s hospitable nature is unwavering. As a 

member of the Prego family since 2000, chef’s leadership in the 

kitchen allowed this establishment owned by Ruth and Tony Bedi to 

thrive and create an Irvine mainstay for the last 18 years. An 

expanded repertoire from the original Von Karman Avenue menu, 

we explored a number of plates to become reacquainted with their 

regional cuisine. 

A meatless marvel of grilled eggplant, artichokes and 

mushrooms, the Four Seasons pizza perfectly prepares us for our 

subsequent courses. Its crust is of respectable density, showcasing 

the diced vegetables atop fresh tomato sauce and cohesive 

mozzarella. If this pie appears familiar to diners, in a previous 

iteration it was also presented with ham—not that we’re missing it. 

Our meal progresses to hearty Short Rib over polenta cake. 

Reminiscent of osso bucco, herbs such as sage and thyme bring out 

the complexity of this “meat and potatoes” entrée. The dish is also 

a nod to Chef Ugo’s insistence on creating stocks from scratch and 

butchering all their meats to utilize nearly every part of the animal. 

A full-bodied red from their generous selection of wines by the glass 

proves to be an appropriate pairing 

Chef’s annual charity work for the American Liver Foundation and 

Table for 10 reminded us that everyone’s talent can be utilized. 

Donating his time and resources towards fundraisers is equally 

effective as a monetary gift. 

“When I get up in the morning, I wonder what I can do better,” 

Allesina confides. 

Showcasing his culinary experience is a generous contribution to 

both the community and the events he’s associated with. 

Between courses, we grazed on a Charcuterie spread alongside 

scratch-made focaccia and breadsticks. Alternating bites of tangy 

giardiniera (a pickled vegetable condiment), paper thin slices of 

Mortadella Bologna, Prosciutto di Parma, and handcrafted Alle-Pia 

Italian salami occupy our eager taste buds. Charcuterie fact: The 

Alle-Pia brand is a private label operated by Chef Allesina’s brother 

out of San Luis Obispo County. These savories tide us over to the 

final course. 

Prego’s free-range, Mediterranean Chicken is plated over 

vegetable rice with homemade curry sauce. Thoughtfully marinated 

for 48-hours in a yogurt and 10-spice blend that includes coriander, 

garam masala and paprika, the poultry maintains an exceptionally 

moist texture. For a region surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, 

our entrée represented its area well. 

Prego Mediterranean Executive Chef/Partner Ugo Allesina 

Having dined at Prego over the years, we can attest to its 

personable service and reliable selections. It is attributed, in part, to 

Chef Ugo Allesina’s mantra, “Never believe you are the best; you 

will still be learning, even on your last day of work.” Despite an 

extensive industry background that includes properties in Germany, 

Italy and the United States, chef remains humble and eager to make 

every guest interaction meaningful. 

Prego Mediterranean is located inside The District at Tustin Legacy. 

2409 Park Avenue/949.553.1333; PregoOC.com 


“WHEN I GET UP IN THE MORNING, I WONDER WHAT I CAN DO BETTER,” 

CHEF ALLESINA CONFIDES 

Mediterranean Chicken - yogurt-based marinade with house spices, 

served over white rice and vegetables with curry sauce 

Four Seasons Pizza - fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, grilled eggplant, 

mushrooms and artichokes 

Charcuterie - hand-crafted Allesina salami, bresaola, 

prosciutto di Parma, mortadella and giardiniera 


HEAD’S UP! 

DNERO 

Innovative New Global 

Payment Solution Launch 

Article Randy Harding 


CONSUMERS TODAY DEMAND TO BE IN CONTROL. We want 

to shop everywhere, at any time, and buy on impulse across a 

variety of retail channels. We want our needs to be anticipated, our 

issues resolved, and our shopping experiences personalized - all of 

this at speed of light and across all platforms. We are fast becoming 

digital consumers of a world that is transforming at a very rapid rate 

into a digital global economy. Every day purchases like buying a 

coffee at Starbucks or buying a book at Barnes & Noble have 

become as easy and fast as the swipe of a barcode on your 

smartphone. 

Mobile commerce, including both mobile browsers and in-app 

payments, is driving strong digital commerce growth due to 

exponential smartphone adoption and an intense shift towards 

online shopping. According to McKinsey & Company’s 2018 Global 

Banking summary, “This rapid growth makes payments an 

expanding and increasingly important component of the broader 

banking industry. After an extended period in which payments 

generated roughly 30 percent of overall banking revenues, this 

metric has turned sharply upward.” The summary also states, 

“Mobile commerce accounts for 48 percent of digital commerce 

sales globally as of 2017 and is forecasted to reach 70 percent by 

2022 (tripling to $4.6 trillion). 

At 450 electronic transactions annually per capita, North America 

has become the first continent or region globally to execute more 

than half of its purchasing transactions electronically. This is 

dramatically higher than anywhere else in the world. The global 

trend makes sense, given healthy underlying fundamentals, 

including electronic transaction and digital commerce growth and 

the increasing adoption of alternative payment solutions to fiat 

currency like the dollar. 

Since the early 2,000’s, our consumer behavior has drastically 

changed. Today, consumers want all services and products to be 

efficiently expedited making essential the implementation of new 

payment solutions that meet the new market demands. As a direct 

consequence, mobile payment solutions like PayPal, Venmo, 

RobinHood, or Zelle were introduced. However, today they still 

present limitations regarding the services they offer. The lack of the 

right incentives forces consumers to reject the mobile payments 

platform as an option. These digital wallets also face other adoption 

barriers such as real time payments and the introduction of 

blockchain technology and its subsequent deployment of 

cryptocurrencies. In addition, an intrinsic educational problem is 

tied to the cryptocurrencies as the general population does not 

understand the tedious process of buying or selling them. 

Other new marketing implementations that expedite the 

purchasing process are virtual gift cards, which are very popular for 

birthdays or any celebrations. According to Tower Group, “Virtual 

gift cards are a burgeoning market within loyalty programs and 

beyond…” and “the virtual boom is predicted to continue.” Virtual 

gift cards in the U.S. were forecasted to reach $11 billion in 2018 

and $15 billion in 2019. 

2% Instant Cash Back DNERO converts your crypto currency into Fiat 

currency instantly 

The DNERO app is smart money 


Easy upload of funds from credit card or bank account 

Transfer funds instantly to friends or family 

using DNERO 

Shop at your favorite national brands 

DNERO IS A MOBILE PAYMENT AND DIGITAL WALLET APP THAT ALLOWS 

USERS TO MAKE PAYMENTS ONLINE OR AT IN-PERSON POINT-OF-SALE 

(POS) SYSTEMS IN RETAIL STORES USING THEIR MOBILE PHONES. 

Here at home, the DNERO group, based in Irvine, has developed 

a payment solution offered as a mobile app that solves all the 

above-mentioned issues. DNERO is a mobile payment and digital 

wallet app that allows users to make payments online or at in-person 

point-of-sale (POS) systems in retail stores using their mobile 

phones. Hundreds of national brands, including Best Buy, Barnes & 

Noble, Target, and Morton’s, have agreed to accept DNERO as a 

mobile payment solution. 

DNERO goes several steps further than other payment systems 

by offering the following options: 

1. Load funds from any bank account or credit card 

2. Immediately convert over 50 cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin, 

Ethereum, Litecoin or PRO Currency) traded on major exchanges 

into FIAT currency to use on everyday purchases 

3. Send gift funds to family and friends who have the freedom to 

choose their own brand at thousands of locations when 

redeeming 

4. Receive 2% cash back instantly from your day-to-day purchases 

There is no existing smart phone mobile app in the marketplace 

offering all these services together. With DNERO, cash and 

cryptocurrencies work side-by-side for both everyday purchases or 

just sending money to family and friends. It takes only seconds to 

upload funds to use for purchases or to send as a gift. It is an 

All-in-One app! 

For merchants, DNERO offers a very creative and innovative 

system to engage new customers and retain their existing customer 

base. Not only does a merchant who accepts DNERO save money 

in transaction fees (a flat 2%), but funds are received instantly at the 

end of each day’s batch. There is no more waiting for days in order 

to receive your funds from the bank for purchases made in your 

business. As a bonus, DNERO offers Geo-Location services, push 

notifications, promotion services, and a referral bonus from all 

DNERO users referred by the merchant. 

Both consumers and merchants are increasingly embracing 

in-app payments and app-based commerce. Retailers and 

merchants are ramping up their acceptance of mobile apps to 

provide innovative shopping experiences for customers. In the 

United States, use of digital wallets will increase at a 45 percent 

compounded annual growth rate to nearly $400 billion by 2022. 

DNERO will be leading the charge with its innovative and 

first-to-market all-encompassing solutions. With DNERO, your 

smartphone becomes smart money. 

For additional information, visit DNEROmedia.com, email 

info@dneromedia.com or call 949.284.7127. 


WHAT’S ON 

noun | what+is on 

1 : dates to remember 

2 : noted events and activities 

APRIL 

5"Leonard Bernstein at 100" 

Coast Hills Auditorium, Aliso Viejo 

South Coast Symphony, known as “The Unstuffy 

Symphony,” is presenting a Bernstein tribute 

concert,”Leonard Bernstein at 100,” at the Coast 

Hills Auditorium in Aliso Viejo on Friday, April 5 at 

7:30 p.m. The celebration of the illustrious 

composer, conductor, educator, concert pianist, 

cultural ambassador and humanitarian will include 

his symphonies, ballets, and musicals with 

conductor Barry Silverman at the helm. 

SouthCoastSymphony.org 

16 

“Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin” 

Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall 

The Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale will perform 

“Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin” in a concert/drama 

that commemorates the courageous Jewish prisoners in 

the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp during World 

War II, who performed the work 16 times as an act of 

defiance and resistance to their Nazi captors. The 

performance is interspersed with historic film, testimony 

from survivors and narration. 

PacificSymphony.org 

3/30 - 

XXII" 

21"Bubblefest Discovery Cube OC 

Bubblefest features hands-on bubble science and the amazing 

Mega Bubblefest Laser Show starring Deni and Melody Yang. 

Interactive spaces include the Mega Bubble Courtyard, Water 

Spheres and the Bubblefest Zone, where the whole family can 

learn bubble science from surface tension, elasticity, air 

pressure and geometric properties. Show runs four times a 

day: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. 

DiscoveryCube.org 

13 

"Sutton Foster in Concert" 

Irvine Barclay Theatre 

A tour de force of musical showmanship, 

Sutton Foster is known for her Tony 

Award-winning performances in Anything 

Goes and Thoroughly Modern Millie, as 

well as for her roles for delighted 

television audiences in Bunheads and 

Younger. Her performance at The Barclay 

will combine Broadway tear-jerkers with 

lighthearted gems. A chameleon of song, 

Foster is always remarkably versatile, 

always surprising and full of heart. 

TheBarclay.org 

Links Love: 

Swinging for Charity” 

16“Life 

Pelican Hill Golf Club 

The Southern California Hospice Foundation’s 

annual golf tournament at Pelican Hill Golf 

Club in Newport Coast invites you to 

participate as an individual player, sponsor or 

both. The day includes a continental breakfast, 

putting contest, shotgun start, 19th hole happy 

hour, dinner and program. It is a forum to 

mingle with individuals of common backbroud 

who share the belief that hospice is a vital and 

indispensable service for our community. 

SoCaliforniaHospiceFoundation.org 

25-28“Southern California Garden Show” 

South Coast Plaza 

The Southern California Garden Show is celebrating its 30th anniversary with an “At Home in the 

Garden” theme. The annual event highlights ideas in outdoor living and gardens and draws more 

than 100,000 visitors. It is the largest Southern California garden show to offer complimentary 

admission, including seminars, a tour of the palm varieties around the plaza, cooking classes, and 

more. SouthCoastPlaza.com/GardenShow 

5 

"Third Coast Percussion" 

Samueli Theater/Segerstrom Center 

The first percussion ensemble to win a 

Grammy Award in a chamber music 

category, this Chicago-based quartet did 

just that in 2017 for Best Chamber 

Music/Small Ensemble Performance. The 

group, formed with students at 

Northwestern University, has since become 

noted for its unusual collaborations and 

audience connection. Composer Philip 

Glass has created a new work for them - his 

first for percussion ensemble. SCFTA.org 

17 

"Alan Cumming: 

Legal Immigrant" 

Musco Center for the Arts 

Tony Award-winning Scottish - American 

actor Alan Cumming is many things to 

many people: provocateur, social activist, 

bon vivant, stage and television star (The 

Good Wife, Instinct) - and, above all, 

storyteller. He became an American 

citizen in 2008 and “Legal Immigrant” is a 

cabaret of stories and songs about his life 

and loves in his adopted homeland. 

MuscoCenter.org 

26-28 

"Newport to Ensenada 

International Yacht Race" 

Balboa Pier, Newport Beach 

The 72nd 125-mile overnight Newport 

to Ensenada International Yacht Race 

provides a mix of fun and adventure. 

With more than 40 trophy categories 

and numerous classes for monohulls, 

multihulls and cruisers, the opportunity 

to take home the silver makes this race 

appealing to all levels of participants. 

NewportToEnsenada.com 

2019 


It’s Never Too Late 

to Have a 

Beautiful Smile 

- Selected by his peers as Top dentist 2015 through 2018 

- Selected as one of California’s Favorite Dentists 2012-2018 

- Awarded America’s Best Dentist 2018 

Call Today 949-565-2040 

Actual patients 

• Master in the Academy 

of General Dentistry 

• American Academy of 

Cosmetic Dentistry 

• International Congress 

of Oral Implantologist 

• Pankey Institute Alumnus 

• Misch International Implant 

Institute 

• Lifetime Member of CDA, 

ADA and Orange County 

Dental Society 

FREE 

COSMETIC 

CONSULTATION 

Consultation 

includes an imaged 

photo, valued at $250 

FILLINGS 

VENEERS 

BONDING 

BLEACHING 

IMPLANTS 

INVISALIGN ® 

CROWN & BRIDGE 

SEDATION DENTISTRY 

Dr. Peter T. Smrecek Jr., D.D.S., Inc. 

Dr. Jaclyn A. Smrecek, D.D.S. 

1401 Avocado Avenue, Suite 806 

Newport Beach, CA 92660 

www.petersmrecekdds.com

THINK DEEPLY. 

Chapman admitted to 

Phi Beta Kappa, nation’s 

oldest honor society. 

ACT THOUGHTFULLY. 

Vidal Arroyo ’19 

named Chapman’s 

first Rhodes Scholar. 

EXPLORE TIRELESSLY. 

Chapman promoted to 

Carnegie Classification R2, 

high research activity. 

HERE FOR EVERY 

BOLD IDEA. 

At the edge of a coast, on the end of a continent, at the center of the community. 

We are here to achieve anything imaginable. 

Chapman.edu

KUDOS April 2019 Travel Issue

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