0126 - Global Heroes - January - 2026 by Global Heroes

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January • 2026

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JON

GOT DINNER PLANS?

More Than A Getaway

HUERTAS

CANADA INVITES AMERICANS TO PULL UP A CHAIR REDEFINING FOOD, TRAVEL, & BELONGING IN NEWFOUNDLAND

TRAVELING WITH PURPOSE

20-FOOT SCULPTURE PUTS HUMAN HEALTH AT CENTER OF PLASTICS DEBATE Olivia Wilde Releasing Necklace for Wildfire Victims

Sailability is Making the Ocean Accessible to All

Cultivating Freedom Through Food and Culture in Antigua

GUARDIANS

REEF — OF THE —

RESTORING ANTIGUA'S MARINE FUTURE

Against the Current: Meet the Island Girls

The Dallas Morning News news organization was not involved in the creation of this content.

Antigua on a Plate: Serving Up Authentic Island Flavors

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER Jonathan Ramlal

PUBLISHER Amir Shirazi EDITOR IN CHIEF Denise Koprich Shirazi

Published by IVY HOUSE MEDIA LIMITED. Headquarters: 2660 Sherwood Heights Drive, Suite 202, Oakville, Ontario • L6J 7Y8 Office: 289-837-2921 • Email: info@globalheroes.com

EDITOR Raye Mocioiu

CONTRIBUTORS Holly Cambruzzi, Raye Mocioiu

CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER Sergio D. Spadavecchia

SALES DIRECTOR Stephen McDermott

ART DIRECTOR Kelly Laufer GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jermaine Finn

ADVERTISING Daniel Sette, Barbara Lamarshe, Stephen Fletcher, Rick Morris

PRODUCTION MANAGER Holly Cambruzzi

Cover Photo © Nowlen Cifuentes

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January • 2026 The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

MORE THAN A GETAWAY:

JON

HUERTAS TRAVELING WITH PURPOSE BY HOLLY CAMBRUZZI

or much of his career, Jon Huertas has honed the art of storytelling. On screen, his emotionally exacting performances—as Miguel Rivas on NBC’s This Is Us, Detective Javier Esposito on Castle, and Sgt. Tony “Poke” Espera in HBO’s Generation Kill—invite audiences beneath the surface. Behind the scenes, he brings that same precision and sensitivity to his work as a writer, producer, director, and musician, building stories with nuance, intention, and a deep respect for craft. But for Huertas, storytelling has never been confined to what happens on a set. It is a way of orienting himself—of paying attention, noticing what others miss, and resisting the urge to look away. Over time, that instinct has widened beyond the work itself, shaping how he moves through communities: with humility, curiosity, and a belief that the most meaningful stories center on humanity.

KIND TRAVELER

It is that same attentiveness that makes Huertas a natural ambassador for Kind Traveler, a women- and veteran-owned public benefit corporation dedicated to making tourism more reciprocal. In recent years, something has shifted in how people think about travel. Increasingly, travelers want to support the communities that welcome them and leave places strengthened, not strained. What holds many back is not a lack of care, but a lack of clarity: how do you give back in a way that is real, local, and accountable? Kind Traveler transforms good intentions into measurable local impact. Through its Every Stay Gives Back™ and Every Adventure Gives Back™ programs, each guest stay or tour experience automatically funds a vetted local charity in the destination being visited. With giving embedded directly into the travel experience—regardless of where or how a booking is made—travel becomes a simple, transparent way to support communities, wildlife, and the environment in meaningful, lasting ways. As CEO and co-founder, Jessica Blotter explains, “Kind Traveler was born from a simple but profound realization: travel can be a force for kindness when it’s designed to benefit the places and people who make our experiences possible.” The aim, she adds, is not to demand

perfection, but to offer travelers a clear, practical starting point. “You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be intentional,” Blotter says. “Start small, stay open, and let respect be your compass.”

BEYOND THE SCREEN

As a celebrity ambassador, Huertas helps amplify Kind Traveler’s mission by encouraging travelers to support local impact through the choices they make while away—and by using his platform to spotlight the charities and communities behind those efforts. For Blotter, that fit is essential: “We look for ambassadors and partners who don’t just ‘like’ the idea of giving back, but who live it—people who show up with humility, curiosity, and a genuine desire to learn from local communities,” she explains. “Importantly, those who are willing to use their platforms to amplify local impact stories rather than center themselves.” In Huertas, she saw exactly that alignment. “Jon Huertas is a perfect example,” Blotter says. “He wasn’t brought in for his celebrity alone—he was brought in because he genuinely connected with our mission and experienced it firsthand through travel.” “Kind Traveler lined up with how I already move in the world,” Huertas shares. “I didn’t grow up seeing travel as luxury. It was survival, opportunity, curiosity. So once I got the chance to see the world, I wasn’t trying to be that guy who shows up, snaps a pic, and dips.

If you’re going to touch a place, touch it with intention. Be useful. Be decent.” Blotter believes Huertas resonates because he makes the concept feel both human and achievable. “What I love most is that he doesn’t preach. He invites,” she says. “He uses his platform to say, in effect: ‘Here’s what I did. Here’s what I learned. And here’s how easy it can be to turn a vacation into a positive impact.’”

FROM VISITOR TO NEIGHBOR Huertas’ journey in Belize carried particular resonance for Kind Traveler. “Belize was a full-circle moment for

KIND TRAVELER CO-FOUND ERS AND FIANCÉS, JESSICA BLOTTER AND SEA N KREJCI

JON MAKING A FRIEND AT CAWS (CAYO ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY) IN BELIZE

us—Belize is where the original idea for Kind Traveler was born,” Blotter says. “And his experience there reflects exactly what we stand for: immersive travel paired with tangible, local benefit.” She credits him with bringing the message to life in a way that feels livedin rather than staged. “Jon amplifies Kind Traveler’s message because he tells the story the way real travelers experience it—through emotion, curiosity, and genuine human connection,” Blotter explains. “His Belize trip wasn’t a promotional highlight reel; it was a grounded travel story that showed how giving back can seamlessly live inside a vacation. He shared his stay, his on-theground impressions, and the nonprofit visit in a way that made people think: ‘Oh—I can do that too.’” For Huertas, Belize began as a trip rooted in wonder: world-class scuba diving and the pull of a place he had long wanted to experience. What he found, however, shifted the center of the journey. “Belize opened me up in a way I didn’t expect,” he recalls. He arrived thinking, “Cool, some of the best scuba in the Caribbean.” What he encountered instead was “a whole education.” “We started on the jungle side and learned about local communities, their history, conservation work, and even the dog rescue efforts trying to protect and care for animals that a lot of people overlook,” he says. What stayed with him most was meeting Maya people and hearing how they are living in modern Belize while still carrying the weight of colonization on their culture—an experience that resonated with “my own Afro Indigenous roots from Borikén.”

“Travel stopped being just about seeing beautiful places. It became about honoring the people who’ve been caretakers of those places long before I ever showed up.” That shift became even clearer later, when travel intersected with hands-on conservation. “And it wasn’t just Belize

that connected those dots for me,” he adds. “Later, I traveled in partnership with Kind Traveler, the Hurawalhi Marine Biology Center, and PADI to the Maldives, where we took part in shark conservation dives, reef restoration, and learning how tourism, when done right, can actually fuel conservation instead of hurting it.” He points to what he saw on the ground—marine biology centers, coral nurseries, and citizen science programs that invite guests into the work—proof that protecting reefs and wildlife can be woven into tourism in a way that strengthens local pride and long-term stewardship. Seeing that up close, in both Belize and the Maldives, clarified what he now believes travelers must hold as true. “Travelers aren’t just visitors. We’re part of the story the moment we land,” Huertas says. “Our responsibility is to choose the kind of story we’re going to help write: one that extracts, or one that protects, supports, and gives back. Once you see the impact of the second option, you can’t go back to just being a spectator.”

SERVICE, STRUGGLE, AND A MINDSET OF SHOWING UP

That sense of responsibility, Huertas says, was shaped by service as much as travel. “The Air Force was my rite of passage,” he explains. “It gave me a north star, discipline, and the drive behind every win I’ve had. Service isn’t a slogan. It’s a mindset. Show up. Do the work.” It was also shaped by uncertainty. Early in his acting career, he briefly lived out of his truck with two dogs—an experience that made him cautious about assumptions and quick judgments. “People love easy labels, but real life is complicated,” he says. He remembers the moment pride gave way to honesty—and kindness met him there. “When I finally told a friend what my situation was, he immediately offered me a warm bed to sleep in for me and my dogs. An act of kindness,” he recalls. “At that point, I understood that sometimes ‘kindness’ can also be asked for, not just given…it’s a two-way road.” The lesson lasted. “That understanding made me move with more empathy,” he says. “It made me pay closer attention.”

SCUBA DIVING IN THE MA LDIVES WITH DIVE MASTER PAIGE PET RE E TH E ID GS ON AL Y TO COOK JON GETTING READ ZE THE JUNGLE IN BELI OM FR N ME WO MAYAN

POSITIVE IMPACT IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

LIVE IMPACT REPORTING WITH EVERY GUEST STAY

KINDNESS AS PRACTICE

For Huertas, kindness is not passive; it is a practice. “Kindness is work,” he says. “It’s harder than being selfish, and humans aren’t usually fans of ‘hard.’ But everything hard pays you back twice over.” He recalls a conversation that still shapes how he moves through the world. “A woman on the street once told me the worst part of being homeless wasn’t hunger or safety,” he says. “It was feeling invisible. People acted like she wasn’t human.” Since then, he has adopted a simple rule: “Always say hi. Always acknowledge the person in front of you, especially if they’re unhoused.” His definition of kindness is direct. “Kindness is presence. It’s paying attention,” Huertas says. “Engage, don’t just observe. Leave people feeling seen. That’s the kind of kindness that actually heals.”

LEGACY IN THE HUMAN SENSE

When asked what legacy means to him, Huertas turns the focus outward. “Legacy isn’t something I chase. I don’t need my name carved anywhere. For me, legacy is something countries, corporations, and institutions should be focused on. If you’re going to talk legacy, leave the world better than you found it. I don’t need my name carved anywhere. For me, legacy is something countries, corporations, and institutions should be focused on. If you’re going to talk legacy, leave the world better than you found it.” And if anything endures, he hopes it is measurable in how he lived. “If I leave anything behind,” he adds, “I want it to be impact, not applause. More giving than taking. More care than consumption.” In that sense, the story Huertas is most invested in now is not only the one unfolding on screen. It is the one written in the quieter choices—how we enter a community, what we take, what we return, and whether we leave a place strengthened by our presence.

JON AND HIS WI FE, NICOLE BORD GES, LEARNING TO COOK WITH TR ADITIONAL METH ODS IN BELIZE

VETERAN + WOMEN FOUNDED

KindTraveler.com

Learn more about Kind Traveler and how every stay and adventure helps care for the communities and causes behind the places we love at kindtraveler.com

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January • 2026

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January • 2026

Charting New Waters: Sailability Antigua Is Making the Ocean Accessible to All RAYE MOCIOIU

It all started when Bob, in his retirement, began sailing up and down the Caribbean islands and noticed a startling lack of inclusive sailing programs in this large sailing area. “The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Sailability had over 200 units across the UK, but none in this part of the world,” he explained. Frustrated and inspired, he took it into his own hands to change this. With encouragement and support from Elizabeth Jordan—then

BOB BAILEY AT WORLD SAILING EVENT IN SWITZERLAND

Commodore of the Antigua Yacht Club and soon to become President and Founder of the National Sailing Academy (NSA)—and support from the RYA, Bob, his wife Su, and their friend Maureen launched the Sailability program, making Antigua one of the first places in the world (outside the UK) to embrace such an initiative. It began as a small, grassroots effort, but quickly grew into a community program that serves 80 differently-abled people, empowering children and adults to sail—with plans to double that

number. This program works alongside the NSA, which currently has 230 children across 23 schools coming to the Academy each week to learn to sail. Mornings are dedicated to the Sailability program. Afternoons follow a structured RYA sailing syllabus for schoolchildren aged eight to 18. Weekends and holidays see adults take to the water, often at subsidised or no cost. While sailing is an exciting and unique experience in its own right, the impact of the program extends much further. “We had a girl come through the school program who had corrective surgery on her feet,” Alison shared. “Her confidence grew so much, her entire family started sailing together.” From deaf and mute sailors to 66-year-old amputees who navigate the waves independently, the stories from the program have been transformative. “In the UK, people with disabilities often have structured care and

support,” Bob explained. "Here in Antigua, that support is limited. When someone comes to our program, it might be the only day of the week they leave the house. It took two years for local officials to acknowledge there even was a disability problem, but our impact has made it clear how much of a difference social inclusion makes.” For many participants, sailing is a chance for independence and joy in a rare and exciting new field. The success of the program lies not only in its reach but in its roots. “All our instructors are local,” Alison noted. “They started as students in our school program. They’re now teaching the next generation.” One alum is Jules Mitchell, who trained through the academy, first becoming an instructor, and is now a professional sailor. Another graduate, Junella King, also became an instructor and then joined an allwomen’s crew that went on to win a round-the-world race.

Running a program with this kind of community impact is no small feat. Tourists, like all community members, are welcome to join in on inclusive sailing adventures, with proceeds directly aiding the program’s impact. The Sailing Academy offers accommodations for visitors and plans to run inclusive sailing week packages, which also help fund this incredible program. Looking ahead, the NSA are working to ensure that the program’s future is firmly in Antiguan hands, with three of six board members now local, and a pipeline of homegrown instructors and leaders. Plus, there’s more on the horizon. World Sailing, the governing body for sailing, is planning an Inclusive Development Programme & Regatta next year to teach participants from 10 Caribbean islands how to manage a sailability programme—yet another step toward making sailing a space for everyone. As Bob puts it, “We’re not just teaching people to sail, we’re opening doors that were never there before.”

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January • 2026 ADVERTORIAL

L TO R: GLORIA HOPE, NICK, KRISTOPHER, MILAGROS

NICK HOLDING VINCENT

Safe, Loved, and Wanted: Giving Newborns a Future Nicholas "Nick" Silverio never planned to become a champion for abandoned infants, but life had other plans. In 1999, a tragic car accident took the life of his beloved wife, Gloria, just days before their 32nd wedding anniversary. Though they had no children of their own due to miscarriages, their love for children was undeniable—they were godparents to 14. One sleepless night, flipping through a magazine, Nick came across a heart-wrenching article about infant abandonment. The thought of helpless newborns being left in unsafe places spurred him to action. He knew he had found his calling—to be a voice for the voiceless. In 2001, he founded The Gloria M. Silverio Foundation 501(c)3, also known as A Safe Haven for Newborns, in memory of his wife and her love for children. “Because of my business background, A Safe Haven for Newborns is operated as a business, but with love and care at the heart of everything we do,” Nick shared. “With that in mind, all of our services are provided at no cost to the women we serve and collaborate with. Also, we do not rely on the government to sustain us. Therefore, it was essential that we learned about what motivated people to donate, how to reach them with

our message, and how to touch their hearts. I believe if you touch someone’s heart, they will respond.” Over two decades later, A Safe Haven for Newborns has saved the lives of 434 newborns, 424 in Florida, nine in another state, and one in Honduras. Over 6,000 women have been assisted during times of crisis, and the organization has provided resources to parents seeking to regain their parental rights. Through its nationwide, 24/7 multilingual helpline, the organization receives over 2,000 calls annually, offering life-changing support to women in need. As for Nick, he remains steadfastly involved—the children his work has saved call him “Uncle Nick” because he truly feels like part of the family. "My birth mother wanted me to have a future she couldn’t provide. Thank you, Uncle Nick! If it weren’t for A Safe Haven for Newborns, I wouldn’t be here today." —Gloria Hope

THE REALITY OF SURRENDERING A NEWBORN

Infant abandonment crosses all demographics and is often due to a lack of knowledge of what options are available for those in need. Many

mothers who abandon their newborns do so out of fear, isolation, or lack of options. Nick realized that, more often than not, A Safe Haven for Newborns was the only safety net in place for these mothers-to-be. Faced with the impossible weight of making decisions that impact both their own lives and that of their unborn child, these young women need access to resources that can ease the load by providing judgment-free support at no charge, with no questions asked. These programs include referrals to counselors, parenting services, help with health-related issues, shelter, access to baby necessities, and confidentially placing their newborn at a Safe Haven location. Through public service announcements, educational programs, and media outreach, A Safe Haven for Newborns is working to change the narrative, ensuring that struggling mothers know there is always a safe alternative. "If I had the chance young women have today with Florida’s Safe Haven option, I would have saved my baby’s life. B ecause of this program, there are babies being fed, rocked, and loved today." —Anonymous

Beyond Florida, the program's influence has reached other states and even international communities, with interest from South Africa, Kenya, and Sri Lanka in adopting similar initiatives. Collaboration is key to the program’s success. Nick has worked tirelessly to establish partnerships with hospitals, fire stations, and emergency responders, ensuring that each Safe Haven location is equipped to receive and care for surrendered newborns. These partnerships not only save lives but also offer reassurance to mothers who feel they have no other options. "B ecause of A Safe Haven for Newborns, I have wonderful parents and a great life. I pray for my birth mother and thank Uncle Nick for all he does." —Kristopher

BUILDING A NEW HOME

As A Safe Haven for Newborns continues to expand, so does the need for a permanent home. The foundation is launching a New Home Campaign to create a dedicated headquarters, allowing operations to continue and resources to be centralized. Generous donors, such as

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Coastal Construction and the Murphy Family, have already contributed, but the foundation needs additional support to make this vision a reality. “Thank you for being there for my son and his birth mom when they needed emergency medical care and emotional support. He is 11 now, completely healthy, happy, smart, and a force for truth, justice, and compassion.” —G., a Safe Haven mother. Every newborn deserves a chance at life, and every mother in crisis deserves support. A Safe Haven for Newborns relies entirely on donations to continue its lifesaving work. Your generosity can provide shelter, medical care, and hope to those who need it most. Every dollar counts—whether it’s a one-time gift or a monthly contribution, your support makes a difference. Uncle Nick often says, “If we saved just one life, all of our efforts would be worthwhile.” Thanks to A Safe Haven for Newborns, over 400 precious lives have been saved—and counting. To learn more or to support this incredible mission, visit asafehavenfornewborns.com

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January • 2026

OLIVIA WILDE

RELEASING CHARITY NECKLACE FOR WILDFIRE VICTIMS

Olivia Wilde is releasing a charity necklace to help victims of the California wildfires. The actress has teamed up with her Conscious Commerce co-founder and longtime best friend, Babs Burchfield, along with ethical jewelry brand Starling Jewelry, to create a diamond pendant that will raise funds for two organizations supporting communities impacted by the devastating fires that swept through Southern California in January, killing 31 people and displacing countless families. A statement shared on Starling

BABS BURCHFIELD AND OLIVIA WILDE © IMAGES COURTESY OF STARLING JEWELRY

Jewelry’s Instagram explained: “Over the past year, we’ve been working together with Conscious Commerce, founded by our friends Olivia Wilde and Babs Burchfield, to create our second charm together. After the devastating fires last January in Los Angeles, we wanted to do something meaningful that would give back to our beloved hometown. We are proud to introduce the LA Charm, an homage to the strength and resilience of LA… This piece is a symbol of the community we’re proud to call home.” Wilde echoed that sentiment in an interview with PEOPLE, reflecting on the lasting emotional toll of the disaster. “It’s wild that it’s already been a year. So many people we love were directly impacted,” she said. “Some lost their homes; others lost their sense of safety, which is its own kind of loss. Watching people you care about go through something like that stays with you.” The necklace features the letters “LA” encircled by diamonds and is available in both 14k gold and sterling silver. The gold version retails for $900, with $450 donated to charity, while the sterling silver necklace is priced at $450, with $150 going to the selected causes. Proceeds will benefit the Dena Care Collective, an organization supporting historic Black communities in Altadena and Pasadena, and Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, which provides mental health care, counseling, and support groups for survivors and first responders. “Los Angeles is a city we love and have lived in longer than anywhere else,” Wilde added. “Creating something here that can actually help people feel right. Both organizations were doing the work before anyone was watching, and they stayed long after the headlines faded. They just get resources to people who need them.” The project builds on Wilde and Burchfield’s long history of philanthropy and eco-conscious collaboration. The pair first met in 2009 while volunteering in Haiti, an experience that

profoundly shaped Wilde’s activism and later led her to co-found the country’s first free secondary school. In 2014, the duo formally launched Conscious Commerce, an initiative that partners with brands and nonprofit organizations to develop more socially responsible business models. Over the years, Conscious Commerce has worked with a wide range of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands, including H&M, ThredUp, Anthropologie, Alternative Apparel, and True Botanicals, always with a focus on ethical production, sustainability, and meaningful impact. Wilde previously collaborated with Starling Jewelry in 2021 on a Sundial Charm, crafted using SCS-certified postconsumer materials such as reclaimed gold and silver and recycled diamonds. Forty percent of proceeds from that design benefited the St. Luke Foundation for Haiti, supporting pandemic relief and rebuilding efforts following a major earthquake. At the time, Wilde explained the symbolism behind the piece to Variety: “We decided on a sundial for the design because it represents taking what we have learned and moving in an even brighter direction.” Their latest collaboration does the same, this time in tribute to Los Angeles’ resilience, giving supporters a way to help communities rebuild long after the fires have burned out. (Source: Reuters)

Back to Our Roots: Redefining Food, Travel, and Belonging in Newfoundland Convenience seems to trump connection these days, but for Lori McCarthy, connection comes from going back to your roots—and hers run deep into the soil of her coastal hometown. McCarthy’s life’s work can’t be summed up by a single title, although Cultural Ambassador for Newfoundland and Labrador comes close. She’s a forager, a food educator, a heritage advocate, a hunter, a mother, a cook, and a community builder—skills she’s picked up over the course of her life, starting all the way back in the small self-sufficient farming and fishing community where she grew up. “I grew up thinking we lived lives of luxury,” McCarthy says. “We had everything we needed—food we grew and caught ourselves, land to roam, neighbors who looked after each other.” McCarthy believes that this forgotten way of life holds the answers to some of our most modern problems: disconnection, burnout, loneliness. “We need connection to the land, to each other. There’s so much peace that comes from doing things with your hands, feeding people, and being outside,” she said. Today, she works to ensure heritage skills like wild food harvesting, cooking

LORI MCCARTHY © DAWN EVANS

from the land, basket weaving, and storytelling don’t disappear because we’ve seemingly advanced out of them. If you ask McCarthy, she’ll explain that these practices are more essential than ever. “There’s a kind of wellness that we’re all chasing—through yoga, meditation, mindfulness—but we already had it here,” she explained. “We just didn’t have the words for it back then. We’ve convinced ourselves that if a machine can do it faster, our old ways have no purpose. But there’s so much value in making bread by hand, in weaving a basket, in learning to light a fire. These things give people a sense of belonging, capability, and meaning.” Through her platform Food Culture Place, McCarthy teaches people how to harvest, hunt, cook, and craft using traditional skills. She takes guests out to gather berries, cook meals over open fires, and learn about the food and traditions of Newfoundland and Labrador. But a return to one's roots doesn’t mean being led by nostalgia. In fact, McCarthy joyfully acknowledges that heritage isn’t static. “A culture always changes,” she said. “It’s okay that we have newcomers

moving here. They’re also looking for community, for purpose, for belonging. And that’s what this is really about.” That philosophy also extends to her work with Indigenous communities on the island. McCarthy encourages everyone to share their stories honestly, especially those reclaiming their heritage after generations of silence. “You can’t fake culture. You can’t perform tradition. Just tell the truth of your experience, that’s where the real connection lives.” For McCarthy, it’s also about reclaiming space. Historically maledominated activities like hunting are now opening up. She’s hunted moose with elderly mentors who are thrilled to see young women carrying on the tradition. And through her work with local Rotary chapters, she turns moose harvested through community licenses into meals for food banks, fundraisers, and Christmas hampers. “Culture lives in people,” she said. “It lives in how we care for each other, how we feed each other, how we share what we know. If we can hold onto that, we’ll be okay. There’s no dollar value on a life worth living,” she said. And for McCarthy, a life worth living is shared around a fire, a plate, and a story.

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January • 2026

How EMC is Restoring Antigua’s Marine Future RAYE MOCIOIU

When Christal O’Reilly and Shannon Costelloe describe their work, their passion for the ocean is unmistakable. Both women followed unexpected paths into marine conservation—Christal from a background in adventure sports and community engagement, Shannon from an initial focus on human resources—but their shared love for Antigua’s marine environment brought them to the Elkhorn Marine Conservancy (EMC). Today, they are part of a growing team determined to restore Antigua and Barbuda’s reefs and empower island residents to become stewards of the sea.

A HOLISTIC VISION FOR OCEAN HEALTH

Founded in 2021 and led by conservationists and community leaders, EMC was born out of passion and understanding for coral restoration and the entire marine ecosystem. As Christal and Shannon explain, these two go hand in hand. Antigua’s economy is almost entirely reliant on coastal and marine tourism. Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves protect beaches while providing boaters, snorkelers, and divers a space for discovery. “Everything is interconnected,” said Christal, “they all form a delicate web of life.” It’s for this reason that EMC’s work spans the ocean, from housing vulnerable coral genotypes in an on-land lab during heatwaves to employ techniques, such as microfragmentation, with coral restoration expert Ken Nedimyer. They do it all from a place of love and deep respect for Antigua’s natural heritage.

TEACHING ANTIGUA TO SWIM

Despite being surrounded by water, many Antiguans have never learned to swim due to historical inequities, fear passed down through generations, and limited access to pools. Recognizing this, EMC launched a

beginner swim program in 2023. Along with teaching water safety, the program connects participants to the ocean through a three-week process. Swimmers learn basic skills and work their way up to snorkeling, all leading up to a visit to EMC’s coral restoration site. For many, it’s their first glimpse of living coral. “We want people to fall in love with the reef,” Shannon explained. “When you see it, you care for it.” To maintain that connection, EMC launched a snorkel club in 2024, hosting quarterly reef excursions that turn swim students into ocean advocates. Looking ahead, EMC’s top priority is establishing a dedicated lab and education center to stress-test coral, host school groups, and create a hub for conservation research. “We want young Antiguans to see this work firsthand,” said Shannon. “They’re the next generation of ocean protectors.” On top of that, the organization is employing shark tagging in collaboration with conservationists across the Caribbean, gathering data on migratory patterns to better understand reef health. Sharks, as keystone species, play a crucial role in balancing marine ecosystems, and monitoring their movements can provide insight into the overall health of the reef. “Everything we learn informs a bigger picture,” Christal shared. “Reef health is about every creature that depends on it, not just coral.” EMC plans to expand its model beyond Antigua and Barbuda, working with other islands and global partners to restore reefs worldwide. Their work is proof that grassroots action and scientific innovation can reverse ecological decline—and when you get the community involved, you can make waves. “Conservation is as much about people as it is about ecosystems,” Shannon said. “When you connect people to the ocean, they’ll fight for it.”

THE THINKER’S BURDEN

A Nearly 20-Foot Sculpture at the United Nations Puts Human Health at the Center of the Plastics Debate HOLLY CAMBRUZZI

In August 2025, as delegates returned to Geneva for the resumed fifth session of plastics treaty negotiations, a new figure rose over the Place des Nations. Benjamin Von Wong’s The Thinker’s Burden, a nearly 20-foot reimagining of Rodin’s classic, sat atop a globe, cradling a baby, with a strand of DNA winding around them. Built from wood, papier-mâché, steel, and living vines, the artwork was designed to be slowly surrounded by piles of recovered plastic waste during the talks, a visible clock counting down the time left to act. By mid-August, the clock had run out. After days of debate at the UN’s Palais des Nations, countries adjourned without a final text. The process will resume at a later date and place, but for now, the treaty remains unfinished. In December, looking back on Geneva, the sculpture’s warning feels even clearer: plastic pollution is not only an environmental crisis, it is a public

health emergency. “This is not just art, it’s a call to conscience,” said Professor Sarah Dunlop, Head of Plastics and Human Health at the Minderoo Foundation, which supported the installation. “The Thinker’s Burden represents the moral, environmental, and health weight negotiators carry. This treaty is a once-in-a-generation chance to protect people from toxic plastics and to make polluters pay.” Von Wong’s message has always centered people. His large-scale interventions have appeared at the UN, the World Economic Forum, and COP gatherings, translating complex issues into scenes the public can grasp. “From the air we breathe to the food we eat, microplastics and toxic chemicals are entering our bodies, and future generations will inherit the consequences if we fail to act now,” he said in Geneva. “The Thinker’s Burden is meant to remind us that the true weight of plastic falls on our health, disrupting hormones and threatening children before they are even born. This is not a distant problem; it is already inside us.” The talks drew delegations from more than 180 countries and were intended to deliver a legally binding global agreement. The divide was stark. A High Ambition group pushed for measures that address plastics across their full life cycle, including limits on production and strict controls on hazardous additives. Others argued the treaty should focus on recycling and waste management. With neither

side willing to concede ground, negotiators closed the session without consensus. Even so, the case for action only grew stronger. “This compelling art piece reminds us why our work matters. It highlights both the responsibility we carry and the urgency to act,” said Luis Vayas Valdivieso, Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee. Scientists echoed that view. “It captures our knowledge of the broad-reaching impacts of plastics and chemicals on our health, and the interconnectedness of human health, the environment, and petrochemicals,” noted Dr. Bethanie Carney Almroth, co-coordinator of the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty and Professor of Ecotoxicology at the University of Gothenburg. The Thinker’s Burden was a community build, fabricated in Zurich by SLS Illusions and assembled with the help of local organizations and volunteers who gathered more than 706 cubic feet of discarded plastics. That collective effort is part of the point. For Von Wong, the piece is a reminder that solutions will be made, not wished into being. “It’s a visual representation of the growing burden we bear to resolve the plastic pollution crisis for this generation, and for those to come. We must act decisively and fight for human health across the entire life cycle of plastics.” The negotiations will reconvene. Until then, the giant Thinker keeps watch at the UN’s Alley of the Flags, asking leaders—and all of us—to lighten the load. An ambitious treaty is not optional. It is essential.

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Against the Current: The Island Girls Who Rowed a Nation Together RAYE MOCIOIU

When four women from Antigua and Barbuda pushed off from La Gomera in December 2018, none of them were rowers. But by the time they reached Nelson’s Dockyard 47 days later, they were finishers of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge (now World’s Toughest Row), and more importantly, they were symbols of a country’s resilience. The quartet, comprised of Kevinia Francis, Christal Clashing, Samara Emmanuel, and Elvira Bell, united under the Team Antigua Island Girls banner. More than finishing a trans-Atlantic campaign, the Antiguans made history as the first all-Black team to row any ocean. They galvanised a nation with their daring, with the government declaring a half-day holiday on their return, and they raised funds for a project to aid a girls' home that housed abused, abandoned, and neglected girls. In 2023, the team, minus Elvira (for personal reasons), conquered the mid-Pacific route from Monterey Bay, California, to Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, in 41 days, seven hours, and five minutes in the inaugural Pacific Row.

A CALL, A CREW, AND EIGHT-AND-A-HALF MONTHS TO LEARN—ROW ONE

After two Antiguan men’s teams completed the race that finishes in historic Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, Antigua, Prime Minister Gaston Browne threw out a challenge: could an all-women’s team represent the island next? Fifteen women answered. Coaches from the men’s team helped train and whittle the roster to five, then four. The Island Girls shipped a used boat back to the U.K. for repairs, crammed essential certifications into their calendars, and learned as they went. “There was a lot of naiveté,” Kevinia explained. “We were checking boxes more than grasping the full scope. However, by the time the race started, the checklist was complete. We felt ready to go. Nothing could have prepared us for the breadth of the race— the unpredictability of the ocean, the extreme fatigue, the unique experience for each rower while still needing to function as a unit, and still, the beauty and privilege of the experience. By the

time we were mid-Atlantic, challenges and all, we knew we would conquer, because we weren’t just rowing, we were rowing home.” “Home” mattered. Most ocean-row crews finish somewhere unfamiliar and then fly back. The Island Girls rowed toward their own shoreline, along part of the transatlantic slave trade route that delivered their ancestors under brutal coercion. As descendants of enslaved Africans, they experienced the Atlantic crossing as a reclamation of history and of their relationship to the sea. “We wanted to show that we belong on the ocean on our own terms,” they said. “And we wanted girls to see that women can work together under pressure and achieve something extraordinary.”

EVERYTHING THAT CAN GO WRONG AT SEA

Plenty of ocean-row crews fracture under stress. The Island Girls didn’t. They fought and forgave like sisters, kept the mission present, and protected the chemistry that carried them from “we

barely know each other” to “once an Island Girl, always an Island Girl.” And it was far from easy; the Atlantic tested them early. Seasickness scrapped their opening sprint. Then the autopilot failed repeatedly, forcing hand-steering by compass for punishing stretches. “It was the only time I thought, ‘We can’t do this for two more weeks,’” said Kevinia. Luckily, a late-night fix from the home team revived the system, just enough to finish the job. By then, Antigua and Barbuda were already watching. The Island Girls had captured the attention of the predominantly non-seafaring community, and that attention cascaded into support and unity. When the team crossed the finish line, the country met them—a sea of red, yellow, blue, black, and white flags waving them in. One mother said her daughter now wanted to row when she grew up. “We went in with goals to win,” the women shared. “We came home with a sense that we’d helped pull our country together.”

A NEW TRIP—BACK ON THE ROW AGAIN!

In 2023, after years of school visits, talks, and local advocacy, the organizing body invited Team Antigua Island Girls to the inaugural Pacific race. An unexpected turn of events just before the team was due to depart the island ruled Elvira out. The reduction to a trio forced tactical changes, many of which the team had to confront as they arose during the row. As they did on the Atlantic, the team surmounted each challenge— even the currents during the final 24 hours that threatened to toss them off course, well beyond the finish line, and into disqualification. The team plans to put funds raised toward establishing a dedicated facility for girls in conflict with the law. The stakeholders are close to finalizing the specifics, with hopes of breaking ground shortly. “If we plant good seeds early, like skills, confidence, a sense of belonging in the water and in the world, we shape a better society,” the team said.

Experience Summer Adventure From the Sky With Rockies Heli Canada If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Canadian Rockies up close and personal, we can turn that dream into an unforgettable reality. Located on the shores of Abraham Lake, we are a premier helicopter adventure company dedicated to creating the kinds of bucketlist moments that stay with you for a lifetime. While our guests can partake in extraordinary experiences throughout the year, summer is where our tours truly shine, offering visitors the chance to hike, fish, and explore pristine alpine wilderness that can only be reached by helicopter.

Rockies on foot, we offer a range of heli-hiking adventures designed to immerse you in raw mountain beauty. Our popular Hike + Epic Summit Tour combines a scenic flight with a guided walk to Twin Falls, where you’ll explore the untouched wilderness surrounding the confluence of Cline River and Waterfalls Creek. For those craving a deeper adventure, our Heli Alpine Trek delivers four hours of guided exploration across alpine ridges,

wildflower meadows, and panoramic lookout points—with a picnic included. Each hiking experience offers exclusive access to landscapes unreachable by road, making it perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to escape the crowds.

HELI-FISHING: CHASE THE LEGENDARY GOLDEN TROUT

Anglers will find a true paradise in our

legendary heli-fishing tours. You can fly into remote alpine lakes such as Michele Lakes, Coral Lake, Lake of the Falls, or Landslide Lake—each known for spectacular scenery and excellent fishing. Golden Trout, often called the “Holy Grail” of freshwater fly-fishing, thrive in these high-elevation lakes, along with Cutthroat and Bull Trout. With crystal-clear waters, mountain sheep grazing along the shoreline, and

EPIC FLIGHTS, HIDDEN WORLDS

Every tour begins with a breathtaking takeoff over the shimmering blue waters of Abraham Lake. Within moments, you’ll find yourself soaring past towering peaks, sweeping valleys, and waterfalls cascading from hundreds of feet above. Our flightseeing tours—like the 6 Glacier Tour and the Epic Summit Tour—showcase dramatic icefields, ancient glaciers, rugged mountain ranges, and the iconic Michele Lakes, divided by a picturesque 50-foot waterfall. But that’s the beginning…

HELI-HIKING: YOUR BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS PASS

For travelers who want to experience the

complete solitude, these fishing expeditions feel like stepping into another world. Whether you choose a day trip or a multi-day camping adventure, we can customize each journey to fit your skill level and goals.

WHY CHOOSE ROCKIES HELI CANADA?

Rockies Heli Canada operates with one mission: we work every day to deliver safe, memorable, and extraordinary guest experiences. Our pilots and guides are experts in the region, our helicopters are meticulously maintained, and every tour is designed to showcase the majesty and magic of the Rockies. If you want the very best of Alberta’s wilderness, we’re here to fly you right into the heart of it.

BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE TODAY

Your ultimate summer adventure is just a call or click away. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic escape, or the fishing trip of a lifetime, our team at Rockies Heli Canada is ready to help you build the perfect itinerary.

For more information and bookings, visit rockiesheli.com, call toll-free at 1-888-844-3514, or email icefield@rockiesheli.com

GLACIER LANDINGS HELICOPTER WEDDINGS FISHING ADVENTURES HELI GLAMPING AND MORE...

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ALL IMAGES © DESTINATION CANADA

Got Dinner Plans? Canada Invites Americans to Pull Up a Chair RAYE MOCIOIU

You’ve heard of southern hospitality, but now Canada is inviting Americans to get a taste of Canadian hospitality. OpenHome is a first-ofits-kind nationwide dining series that is literally opening doors across Canada. You can book a dinner anywhere from Vancouver’s coastal kitchens to the colorful row houses of St. John’s, as if you’re visiting a longtime friend. "There is always room for one more at our table; that's who we are as Canadians," said Gloria Loree, Senior Vice President of Marketing Strategy & Chief Marketing Officer at Destination Canada. "With OpenHome, we're inviting Americans to join us and share stories in the warmth of our homes."

The idea behind OpenHome is to bring authenticity and humanity back to travel, something especially crucial when much of travel can feel like an impersonal checklist of sights to see. This way, travelers get the chance to sit down with real people in real homes, sharing dishes that carry culture and personality. Teachers, artists, farmers, chefs, business owners, and parents have signed on as hosts, each opening their space to visiting guests. The process is seamless: Until February 28, 2026, Americans can browse profiles, menus, and dates, then book directly at opentable.com/openhome. It’s a unique travel experience that brings together all the best parts of winter meals: cozy gatherings and long conversations over good food. For Vancouver restaurateur Claire

Iassam, participating in OpenHome felt like a natural extension of the way Canadians already live. "Inviting people into our home for dinner feels so natural, it's almost an extension of inviting people into our restaurant," she said. "All I ever want to do is be surrounded by nice people and nice food… Connection always happens at the dinner table." This tracks with recent findings from YouGov, which show that Canada ranked Americans’ top recommended international destination, largely due to its authenticity. OpenHome builds on this—meals are so often one of the best parts of travel, so turning mealtime into an opportunity for connection further elevates the experience. The most memorable dinners, after all, serve up delicious plates with a side of great conversation.

Tourism already contributes $130 billion to the national economy, supporting 265,000 businesses across 5,000 communities. Programs like OpenHome bring that impact directly into neighborhoods and dining rooms alongside moments that are personal, memorable, and uniquely Canadian.

MEET THE CANADIANS OPENING THEIR DOORS

Every host brings something different to the table, and the nature of OpenHome guarantees a one-of-akind experience—one that you play a pivotal role in. In Montréal, Québec, mother-son duo Louis and Marie Octeau-Piché, former contestants on The Amazing Race Canada, are serving warm Québécois hospitality.

In Ontario, Markham-based couple Sharon and Tim Lui have heartfelt connection on a platter, and Torontobased chef and award-winning food writer Amy Rosen has vibrant flavors and stories on the menu. On the East coast, in Tors Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador, three generations of foodies are bringing wild game, local ingredients, and family traditions to the table, led by Culinary Director at The Cape, Alex Blagdon. And up in Whitehorse, Yukon, inn-keeping trio Carson Schiffkorn, Dona, and Driss have room for guests at their warm and wild lakeside home. These are just a few of the many dining opportunities available coast to coast. For travelers looking for authenticity, comfort, and connection, this is Canada at its best.

Grande Prairie: Your Must-Stop Destination on the Road to Alaska Every road trip to Alaska travels through Alberta, so take the route that turns a drive into a destination and explore Grande Prairie along the way. Known as the Gateway to the North, this vibrant city is more than just a pit stop. It’s a thriving hub of culture, community, and outdoor adventure, surrounded by some of the most striking scenery in Western Canada. Located just a few hours northwest of Edmonton, Grande Prairie is the largest city north of Alberta’s capital—and the last major center before you venture farther north to British Columbia, the Yukon, or Alaska. Travelers from all directions converge here to refuel, recharge, and explore before continuing their northern journey.

parkland, and mountain views. Highway 43 links Edmonton to Fox Creek, Valleyview, and Grande Prairie before continuing to northern British Columbia and the world-famous Alaska Highway. For those craving adventure off the beaten path, Highway 40 promises an awe-inspiring journey through rugged

foothills and the front ranges of the Rockies—some of the most scenic landscapes in the province. Wherever you enter from, the drive to Grande Prairie reveals a changing canvas of Alberta’s natural beauty, from vast boreal forests and rolling farmland to glimpses of wildlife and

timeless pioneer towns that hint at the region’s rich history.

THE BEATING HEART OF THE NORTH

Once you arrive, you’ll find a city buzzing with energy and hospitality. Grande Prairie is a young, thriving community

SCENIC ROUTES TO REMEMBER

Reaching Grande Prairie is as easy as it is beautiful. The major visitor gateways into the region include Edmonton in the east, Jasper National Park in the south, and the famous Alaska Highway and British Columbia border in the west. Most visitors travel via Highways 16, 43, and 40, each offering its own unforgettable scenery. Highway 16, the Yellowhead Highway, is Alberta’s busiest east-west route and a spectacular drive through foothills,

known for its welcoming spirit and balance between small-town warmth and big-city amenities. More than 295,000 residents from across Northern Alberta, Northern British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories rely on Grande Prairie as their cultural, commercial, and recreational center. Visitors can explore 50+ culture and recreation facilities, from galleries and museums to arenas, aquatic centers, and lush urban parks. The surrounding landscapes are an open invitation to adventure. Hike through the Kleskun Hill Natural Area, discover hidden lakes and trails, or simply take in the sweeping prairie views that seem to stretch endlessly to the horizon. Whether you’re stocking up for your next leg north or staying a few days to soak up the local charm, Grande Prairie offers something special: a perfect blend of comfort, connection, and the call of the wild.

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY NORTH

Make Grande Prairie your must-stop destination on your next road trip to Alaska—where wide-open spaces, warm welcomes, and endless exploration await. KLESKUN HILLS, GRANDE PRAIRIE © COURTESY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL TOURISM

Before you head to Alaska, discover the spirit of Alberta’s frontier in Grande Prairie—where small-town hospitality meets big-city excitement. Explore scenic drives, outdoor adventures, and over 50 culture and recreation spots surrounded by stunning wilderness. Plan your road trip north at gptourism.ca

Plan your trip at gptourism.ca

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Antigua on a Plate: Eat’n Lime Tours is Serving Up Authentic Island Flavor RAYE MOCIOIU

What started as a simple love for travel and good food has turned into one of Antigua’s most authentic cultural experiences, and it’s all thanks to Tiffany Azille. An educator and tech enthusiast, Azille is also the founder of Eat’n Lime Tours, a food tour company that takes tourists on an authentic tour of Antigua’s food scene, putting Antiguan cuisine on the map for food lovers across the globe. “I just got tired of seeing tourists eating bland hotel food and leaving without really understanding the soul of our culture,” Azille explained. As a foodie herself, her solution to the problem was to show tourists what

they were missing through a curated tour of St. John's. Every stop, from humble street vendors to tucked-away local eateries, is carefully selected. “It’s about connecting people with our food, yes, but also with our cooks, our history, and our way of life,” she said.

A TASTE OF ANTIGUA

Starting Eat’n Lime Tours in 2019 wasn’t without challenges. “No one was really doing food tours here,” Azille recalled. “Vendors didn’t know what to make of it at first. And even getting insurance was a struggle.” Persistence and a love for Antiguan food and culture helped her push through the initial hesitation to build trust with local businesses. It all paid

off—now the tour is a hit with visitors and vendors alike. Antigua's food scene is a fusion of African and British cuisines, with hearty dishes like fungi and pepper pot (the national dish), and sweet staples like ducuna, a dumpling made with grated sweet potato and coconut. And while it’s one thing to hear praise from the locals, it’s another to hear it from food lovers who can compare it to the source, like when Bob Marley’s granddaughter praised the local bun and cheese as better than Jamaica’s. The tour is also a chance to try out dishes that tourists may not normally gravitate to, like a bowl of steaming hot soup, even when it’s sweltering out.

“Antiguans love soup. Doesn’t matter how hot it is,” Azille said.

GIVING BACK AND LOOKING AHEAD

Azille’s love for her community runs deep, and she hopes that her success will inspire other Antiguans to take ownership of the tourism industry. “There’s a perception that all tourism companies are owned by outsiders. I want to show people here that with a good plan, it’s really not that hard to jump in.” She also donates monthly to support Clarehall Secondary School’s breakfast program for underprivileged children, often sourcing food from vendors on her tour or introducing

new ones to the program. And while Eat’n Lime is her main venture today, she hasn’t abandoned her roots in education. Azille is the founder of Splash Robo Club, an after-school program that introduces Antiguan youth to coding and robotics. Though currently on pause, it received a grant from the US Embassy and is expected to relaunch next year. “A lot of the kids still ask about it,” she said. “They’re eager, and I’m excited to bring it back.” Her advice to fellow Antiguans? “You don’t need to wait for someone else to give you permission. If you love something, food, tech, whatever, build something around it. The people will come.”

Concordia, Kansas: Where Untold Stories Whisper on Prairie Winds A PLACE WHERE STORIES BREATHE

Concordia, Kansas, invites you to come where the noise fades, and the horizon stretches. When the world gets crowded, the prairie offers a quiet rhythm, where sunsets paint the sky, and stars outshine city lights. It’s a place where history lingers in the wind and whispers from every corner. Nestled in North Central Kansas, Concordia is more than a destination.

It’s an experience steeped in heritage, culture, and unexpected wonder. Nine unique attractions tell tales that shaped lives, communities, and even the nation.

FROM NEW YORK TO NEW LIVES

The National Orphan Train Complex is dedicated to one of the most transformative movements in U.S. history. In 1854, a movement began in New York during a time of great struggle. More than 250,000

orphaned and abandoned children rode trains west toward new lives across the country. Here, their stories are preserved with care—archives, photographs, and artifacts speak of resilience and hope.

BEHIND BARBED WIRE

During World War II, Concordia became home to the largest POW camp in Kansas. Over 4,000 German conscripted soldiers were imprisoned—living, working, and learning—finding unexpected

peace in the Kansas plains. Today, five original buildings remain at POW Camp Concordia—one original building houses a museum—offering a glimpse into a chapter of history where humanity endured amid conflict.

ON WITH THE SHOW

Marvel at the Brown Grand Theatre, a 1907 fully restored Opera House, created with a vision of community; it is a cultural centerpiece. A stopping point for traveling troupes between Kansas City and Denver, this grand stage hosted vaudeville to boxing matches, and continues to host performances and community events today, blending history with modern vibrancy. Did we mention it’s haunted?

SACRED SERVICE AND STUNNING ARCHITECTURE

LEFT: THE ANNA LAURA HILL, PLACING AGENT FOR THE CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY © COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL ORPHAN TRAIN COMPLEX ARCHIVES; RIGHT: POW CAMP CONCORDIA © COURTESY OF POW CAMP CONCORDIA PRESERVATION SOCIETY ARCHIVES

The Nazareth Convent, rising five stories into the sky in brick and native stone, tells a fascinating story of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia. Six nuns and one priest traveled from France in 1884 to serve in whatever way needed, wherever there was a need. The Sisters of St. Joseph remain a cornerstone of compassion and community, leaving a legacy of loving service to God and neighbor without distinction.

ART IN BRICK: THE WHOLE WALL MURAL

Stretching 140 feet long and composed of 6,400 oversized, locally sourced bricks, The Whole Wall Mural is the largest hand-carved brick mural in the United States. It captures the essence of Cloud County in intricate detail—both a masterpiece of art and story.

LEGENDS AND LORE AWAIT

From Boston Corbett, who shot Lincoln’s assassin, to a Ma Barker gang robbery, Concordia’s history brims with intrigue. Aviation pioneers, journalistic masters, frontier captures, a coal-mining ghost town, a rare letter from the Nation’s first First Lady, and record-breaking circus feats add color to a town that never stops surprising.

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

With nine attractions in one Kansas town, Concordia invites you to listen to the whispers of history. With stories to tell—not quite secrets, not quite lost to time—our stories leave lasting imprints. When your world gets crowded, come find us, a place that breathes life into stories untold. Include us in your story. Contact Cloud County Tourism at 785-243-4303 or visit cloudcountytourism.com to find out more.

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Cultivating Freedom Through Food and Culture in Antigua Humble and Free Wadadli: Rooted in Rastafari, Farming, and Regenerative Tourism RAYE MOCIOIU

In Liberta, Antigua, food is more than sustenance. It is a vessel for cultural memory, freedom, and connection. Humble and Free Wadadli shows how food can root people in Rastafari traditions, empower farmers, and create new pathways for regenerative tourism. Founder Ras Richie has long believed that farming deepens the connection with food and culture. Together with his partner Kayla Joy, who left a successful career in branding and marketing to join him, they built a platform that redefines tourism, empowers local farmers, and celebrates Antigua’s roots. Humble and Free Wadadli was born in an unlikely season. When Antigua’s tourism industry fell silent during the pandemic, Richie and his Rastafari community were still able to move freely, delivering farm-fresh food and creating safe, outdoor spaces for connection. This natural freedom laid the groundwork for tours and cultural experiences that developed organically through word of mouth. When people were looking for ways to reconnect, Richie was there to show them a world beyond their four walls. Local stakeholders, including the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, quickly recognized the value of what Humble and Free Wadadli was building: a tourism model that was not only sustainable but also transformative in a way that would benefit Antigua for years to come.

FARMING AS A FOUNDATION OF FREEDOM

For Humble and Free Wadadli, farming is more than a livelihood. It is a philosophy of freedom. Their community cultivates 25 to 30 acres of farmland, producing onions, watermelon, sugarcane, and kale, with 40–70 percent of revenue from tours reinvested directly into the land and community to strengthen food sovereignty. Although Antigua is lush in biodiversity, the island imports 97 percent of its food, and Humble and Free Wadadli is determined to change that. By practicing sustainable agriculture, mentoring younger farmers, and reintroducing nutrient-rich crops, they are spearheading a movement toward

food security and sovereignty. “Our farm is a living laboratory,” Richie and Joy explained. “We’re constantly experimenting, educating, and planting seeds—literally and figuratively—for a future where Antigua feeds itself.”

HUMBLE HABITAT: CONNECTING FARMERS, CULTURE, AND CONSCIOUS PARTNERS

Through their Humble Habitat initiative, Humble and Free Wadadli extends far beyond tours. It is a partnership accelerator and strategic gateway that connects farmers, cultural leaders, and conscious brands to new opportunities. The platform links Antigua’s food producers to tourism markets, co-creates regenerative experiences with collaborators, and amplifies stories rooted in Rastafari and sustainability. From mentoring elders and youth farmers to designing brand strategies with international partners, Humble Habitat shows how what begins in the soil ripples outward into community resilience and global impact. The path forward is not without obstacles. Water scarcity, climate change, and rising temperatures weigh heavily on Antigua’s farmers. Humble and Free Wadadli responds by cultivating resilient crops like kale and transforming their farm into a hub for sustainable practices that can withstand a changing climate. They invite the world not only to slow down and listen, but to join in. Walk the land, taste the harvest, and become part of a future that is humble and free.

JABBA POT EXPERIENCE Visitors do not just see the island. They feel its rhythm, taste its soil, and carry its memory home.

RICK P’S GREEN ACRES TOUR Visitors explore Antigua’s largest coconut farm under a cool canopy while sampling fresh coconuts and learning about tropical agriculture.

EXPERIENCES THAT EDUCATE AND INSPIRE

Humble and Free Wadadli’s experiences go beyond sightseeing. Their mission is to get visitors and locals to connect with the land and with Antigua’s heritage, and every experience is designed with the senses in mind: tasting traditional meals, witnessing and hearing the beauty of nature, becoming immersed in the agricultural process, and, more importantly, taking time to look inward and reflect.

HISTORIC RASTA TRAILS Hikes through sacred Rastafari sites and historic ruins, including stops at the Ras Freeman Foundation and Fort George Monsil.

HEALING & WELLNESS OFFERINGS Visitors embrace wellness through yoga, meditation, acoustic music, and Ital food, with cannabis offered as part of a responsible cultural integration.

Find Your Winter Rhythm in Red River Snow is joyful no matter how you spend time in it, and Red River receives wagonloads of snow every winter. Our sleepy town could easily curl up and wait for spring, but when your skis beg to get outside, the snowshoes look ready to wander off without you, and the snowboards are practically reenacting old Warren Miller films, winter demands to be enjoyed. Red River’s sparkly trails, frosted rooftops, and deep powder runs make it one of the most striking and spirited places to be this time of year. The lights are out, the s’mores are out, the laughter is out. Joy is in abundance.

A MOUNTAIN MADE FOR EVERY KIND OF SNOW DAY

At the heart of this mountain town is the Red River Ski & Summer Area, a family-owned gem that delivers 24,000 Acres of Smiles for every age and skill level. Since 1959, this resort has blended small-town charm with big-mountain fun. Today’s guests enjoy 209 skiable acres, 64 trails, and excellent snowmaking that keeps the slopes ready throughout the season. No matter how you like to play in the snow, the mountain delivers. Gentle stretches invite novice skiers and snowboarders to settle in and find their rhythm, while steeper lines and hidden pockets offer thrills for those who crave a bit more adventure. What visitors notice most, though, is how easy everything feels—pull in, gear up, and you’re on the lifts within minutes. And when you’re ready for a different kind of thrill, the tubing hill promises belly laughs, fast runs, and the kind of carefree fun that turns into a favorite family tradition. The mountain may be the opening act, but Red River’s winter landscape offers a full roster of ways to explore. Snowshoe trails wind through aspen groves, cross-country routes glide across peaceful meadows, and snowmobile tours climb to

11,249-foot Greenie Peak for breathtaking, sky-level views. Even a quiet walk along the river feels restorative!

STAY YOUR WAY

And while the days are packed with things to do, Red River makes sure the nights are just as inviting. A memorable trip starts with a welcoming place to stay, and this town serves up affordable lodging for every type of traveler. Creekside cabins, spacious vacation rentals, classic mountain lodges, in-town condos, and cozy hotels line the town and surrounding forest. Whether you crave rustic charm or ski-in, ski-out convenience, you’ll find a space that fits your style and offers comfort after a day of adventure.

A FOOD SCENE WITH HEART

Of course, no visit to Red River is complete without experiencing the character of its locally owned dining spots. In a town with no chains, every restaurant, café, and sweet shop carries its own personality— glowing windows on winter evenings, the hum of easy conversation, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel instantly at home. Warm-lit steakhouses, family diners, intimate bistros, and cozy pizza joints line the walkable streets, each offering a different corner of the town’s charm.

CELEBRATIONS THAT LIGHT UP THE SEASON

The season is also shaped by celebrations that give winter here its unmistakable personality. In late January, the Red River Songwriter’s Festival fills intimate venues with unforgettable performances and spontaneous collaborations. February’s Mardi Gras in the Mountains transforms the town with masks, beads, contests, and a spirited blend of Southwestern charm and classic Mardi Gras flair. And each Saturday night, just when the sky darkens and the air settles, the slopes come alive during the

beloved Torchlight Parade—a glowing ribbon of skiers and riders carving down the mountain while fireworks crackle overhead. At 8,750 feet, Red River brings together everything you want from a winter getaway—fresh snow, endless adventure, cozy cabins, and the kind of small-town warmth that stays with you long after you head home. Here, every day offers something to savor, and every moment has the chance to become a tradition. Plan your winter escape today at redriver.org

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January • 2026 ADVERTORIAL

SNOW MUCH FUN:

Discover Winter’s Best-Kept Secret at Inn of the Mountain Gods Imagine waking up to a world transformed—crisp mountain air, snow-dusted pines, and the promise of adventure shimmering on the horizon. This is winter at Inn of the Mountain Gods, New Mexico’s premier mountain resort and casino, where every moment is an invitation to play, explore, and reconnect.

WHERE WINTER DREAMS BEGIN

For those who have never set foot in this sacred corner of New Mexico, prepare to be amazed. The resort rises beside the sparkling waters of Lake Mescalero, framed by the majestic Sierra Blanca. Here, winter isn’t just a season—it’s a celebration. The landscape becomes a playground for thrill-seekers and families alike, with endless ways to make memories that last a lifetime. Returning guests know: every visit brings something new. The freshly renovated rooms offer comfort and style, each with breathtaking views that change with the light. The spirit of adventure is always alive, and this winter, there’s even more to discover.

SKI APACHE: THE HEART OF THE SEASON

Just a short drive from your room, Ski Apache awaits—one of the Southwest’s most beloved ski destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, the mountain’s powdery slopes and panoramic vistas promise exhilaration at every turn. And this year, families have a new reason to celebrate: Buy one adult lift ticket, get one child ticket free! It’s the perfect way to introduce your kids to the joy of skiing, or to share the thrill of the slopes with the whole family. Ski Apache offers a variety of runs for all skill levels, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging trails for the more adventurous. The resort’s friendly instructors are ready to help newcomers find their footing, while experienced skiers can carve fresh tracks through untouched powder. The mountain’s high elevation means reliable snow and breathtaking views—every run is a postcard moment.

ADVENTURE FOR EVERY SPIRIT

The excitement doesn’t end when you leave the mountain. Soar above Lake

Mescalero on a zip line adventure, reaching speeds up to 50 miles per hour—an adrenaline rush you’ll never forget. Prefer a slower pace? Try paddle boating, kayaking, or casting a line for a quiet afternoon of fishing. Horseback riding through the whispering trees offers a different kind of magic, connecting you to the land and its stories. Inside, the energy is just as electric. The casino floor pulses with possibility— slots, table games, craps, and a vibrant Sportsbook where every wager adds to the excitement. For families, the arcade is a wonderland of video games and air hockey, while the jukebox keeps the fun going with tunes for every generation. Visit the stables and check out our seasonal trail rides—FUN FOR ALL!

SAVOR THE SEASON

After a day of adventure, indulge in culinary delights that warm the soul. Wendell’s Steak and Seafood is a feast for the senses—aged steaks, buttery lobster tails, and cocktails crafted to perfection. Broken Arrow Taphouse offers over 70 beers on tap, a cozy coffee bar, and pub fare that invites you to linger and connect.

Catch the big game at Big Game Sports Bar, where the atmosphere is always lively, and the food is unforgettable.

RENEWAL AND RELAXATION

Balance the thrill with moments of peace at The Spa, inspired by the Mescalero Apache Tribe’s deep connection to nature. Warm colors, organic textures, and soothing treatments create a sanctuary for body and spirit. The fullservice salon ensures you look and feel your best, whether you’re heading out for another day of adventure or winding down by the fire. After your day of adventure or serenity, retreat to one of 273 luxurious, freshly renovated rooms—spaces that combine comfort with breathtaking views of Lake Mescalero and the rugged mountains. Here, every sunrise paints a new memory, and every sunset whispers promises of return.

A LIVING LEGACY

Inn of the Mountain Gods is more than a destination—it’s a living tribute to the Mescalero Apache Tribe’s heritage and hospitality. Every detail, from the art and

architecture to the warmth of the staff, reflects a story that spans centuries. Here, guests are welcomed not just as visitors, but as part of a tradition of resilience, pride, and community. The tribe’s vibrant traditions, language, and commitment to self-determination breathe life into the Inn, offering guests an experience that is authentic, heartfelt, and profound. To stay here is to connect with a story older than time—a centuries-old song of resilience, respect, and sacred land.

MAKE THIS WINTER UNFORGETTABLE

Whether you’re discovering Inn of the Mountain Gods for the first time or returning to your favorite mountain retreat, this winter promises new adventures, breathtaking beauty, and memories you’ll treasure forever. The snow is calling, the slopes are waiting, and the spirit of the mountains is ready to welcome you. Plan your winter escape and take advantage of the Family Ticket Special at INNOFTHEMOUNTAINGODS.COM

575.464.3600 | ALTO, NM | Owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe