This month in Chicago, we lost a pioneer in the Cultural Heritage Tourism community and the broader Tourism arena, Barbara Kensey.   Barb was the CEO of Kensey & Kensey Communications an arts and culture guru. She loved music, theater, black heritage and tourism, merging all those loves in a career.   Maudlyne Ihejiirka reporter for the Chicago Sun Times newspaper, wrote a tribute article to her that described her perfectly. So much so that I have borrowed and paraphrased from that article that I might share it with you.

She had a rare understanding of and valuable insight into the significant space that African American Culture holds in the tourism industry. In many instances, even more so than the practitioners.

Her diverse client roster of her 30 year old firm, a broad range from local, national and international figures, to corporate, government and nonprofit groups, and her beloved arts and cultural institutions, spoke volumes about who she was.

For two decades, when Chicago's black arts and cultural institutions needed marketing help, they turned to Barbara Kensey.  She developed and conducted black heritage tours in Chicago, and for a long time was the official Hyde Park-Kenwood tour guide for the city of Chicago’s tourism office. A world traveler, her writings have appeared in national magazines, locally and in anthologies.

A veteran P.R. practitioner, a prolific writer, arts and culture consultant, she was a pioneer in the tourism industry. Ms. Kensey was founding publisher of “The Guide to Black Chicago/Access Black Chicago,” the first visitor’s and resource guide to the city’s black history, culture and entertainment.

She was extremely knowledgeable about the tourism area and was a guest and a valuable contributor on “Live From the Pullman National Monument”. Her appearance on the show was one of our most popular. She will be missed.

We thought it appropriate to honor that knowledge and commitment and re –run her guest appearance, on the show as a tribute to her. 

My next guest, Dr William S Eidelman, M.D. has been in the natural healing field for over thirty years. He has  traveled all over the world, and has seen and heard almost everything!  He has learned a lot about natural ways of healing the body, the mind, and the spirit, which he wishes to share with you. He believe that these approaches to healing and to prevention and to awakening can be a boon to each of us, and to the country as a whole.

Currently,he works as a consultant in natural approaches to healing. The main treatment modalities are herbs, nutrition, bioelectromagnetism, and meditation. As you’ll see on other pages of his website, these modalities are yielding amazing, paradigm-shifting, life-saving, health-giving, feel-better results!

His medical education began when he was a child. His late great father was a professor of psychiatry at St. Louis University School Of Medicine. He was the only non-Freudian in the department of psychiatry for 25+ years, so Dr Eidelman learned early that being different wasn’t bad. He learned from his father that through simple caring, he could help others through their pain and illness, sometimes. He showed his understanding that everyone in medicine has a lot to learn, that no one really knows all (or even most of) the answers and that doctors do the best they can, which was sometimes successful and often not. So this was Dr Eidelman’s (mostly unconscious) attitude when he started medical school.

Once there, it seemed like something was missing from the medical program, but Dr Eidelman couldn’t say quite what it was at the time. It seemed like they were going in the wrong direction in several basic ways. Now he realize that there were several topics missing or neglected.

First: After graduating from medical school, and beginning residency training in psychiatry, Dr Eidelman was introduced to the concept of bio-energy. This idea was never mentioned in medical school, except for the ridicule given to any idea which was patently impossible, such as the idea of bio-energy! Bio-energy, in the eyes of scientists, had been discredited by 1900. However, by this time, 1975, acupuncture and its theory of bio-energy flows had reached the United States, and seemed to hold clinical truth, and therefore must have a scientific basis.He began personally experimenting, and found that it was real — according to his subjective awareness. Later, he found that Robert O. Becker, M.D., and his team of researchers had proven that the body is literally a liquid crystal, and is full of semi-conducting electrical currents and their electromagnetic fields — billions of them throughout the body, creating an incredibly harmonic energy field of primary importance in health, healing, and consciousness. Some of the implications which you can use directly will be found in therapeutic devices such as the Alpha-Stim and QRS for creating health and enhancing well-being. These are his two favorites of a growing field of effective, even revolutionary therapies. On this level, the future is very bright. Now, he has discovered that the Alpha-Stim, which has been in wide use for at least 15 years, blocks cravings for cigarettes and other addictive drugs.

Second: When he began medical school in 1971,he took an elective course in nutrition (along with four of his one hundred and fifty classmates).He brought literature from health food stores to the class. The professor, Dr. Max Horwitt, was and is an eminent nutritionist. He lampooned, chastised, and ridiculed the authors, their science, and their beliefs. He gave us the 1971 orthodox scientific view of nutrition. The old view was basically this: If you eat a normal diet with a variety of all the different food groups, you will get all the nutrition you need to be healthy. If you are ill, your diet did not cause it (or contribute to it) and changing your diet won’t help it. In 1971, there were precious few exceptions to this view. Anybody who claimed diet was important in the cause and treatment of almost any or most illness was simply dismissed as a quack. All diets for prevention or treatment of illness were dismissed as fads.

Since then, because of medical research and widespread experience of millions of people, the orthodox view has embraced many of the principles espoused by natural health practitioners. Now, doctors who are up-to-date know that nutritional therapies work very well to heal many problems, including serious diseases. Many of the nutritional ideas considered fad diets or quackery in 1971 are now accepted by the mainstream–from the AMA to Madison Avenue.

Two of the most well-known teachers of Nutritional Medicine are Jonathan Wright, M.D. and Alan Gaby, M.D.. Their style of medicine is practiced by a growing number of physicians world wide. Another pioneer is Garry Gordon, M.D..Some of the other prominent doctors using this version of medicine are: David Steenbloch, D.O., Julian Whittaker, M.D.. For a more complete list of such doctors, including one near you, contact ACAM (the American College for the Advancement of Medicine), in Laguna Hills, California, (800) 532-3688.

And everyone still has much to learn, but this knowledge base has already started exploding. It is exciting to watch how it unfolds, for the benefit of all of us. This is the real medicine of the future.

Third: Dr Eiselman  learned growing up that psychologically speaking, humanity is a mess. Although the small details of Freud’s theories were not necessarily on track, He learned from his father that Freud’s basic concept of humans being mainly unconscious was certainly true. He later learned that this concept is an essential foundation of eastern philosophy and religion. When he found that scientific research showed that meditation exerted measurable physiological effects, he tried it out. This certainly helped him get through medical school.

After psychiatric residency, Dr Eiselman spent time in India, learning much about human consciousness, meditation, and the process of awakening. His early medical career, from 1977 through 1990 involved what he now considers “alternative psychiatry,” focusing on awakening of the spirit rather than treatment of mental illness. In the very awakening of the spirit, many of our mental dis-eases simply evaporate. Others may remain, but even those exist in a different context when the person is awakening. It was during this time that he became familiar with hands-on energy healing.He worked extensively both practicing and teaching a form of hands-on energy healing called Resonance Balancing.

Medical Cannabis: Cannabis (aka marijuana) is an herb, the product of the hemp plant. Although, like most people of his generation (and all the following ones),he had some experience with cannabis for “recreational purposes.” He did notice that he slept much better, and sometimes he used it specifically to get to sleep, but beyond that heI hadn’t really thought much of its medical value.He did think a lot about its psychological and spiritual values, and was aware of its many benefits in both dimensions.

When the people of the State of California passed the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, Dr Eidelman was approached to write letters of approval for ill patients wanting to legally use Medical Cannabis. He rapidly became educated, by reading from the voluminous literature base, but more so by seeing real live patients who benefited from cannabis use. These patients have a wide range of illnesses, and benefit in a wide range of ways. Fully appreciating the remarkable effectiveness of cannabis has taken years, and still new experiences with patients and new reports in the medical research happen regularly.

Dr Eidelman is so well liked and respected by his patients that I want to close with one evaluation  written 5/10/2018

Thank God for Dr. Eidelman and his natural Medicinal CDB path back to health! I was living in constant chronic pain from head-to-toe and the flower has virtually cured me. After playing football for 20 years, 5 Professionally, I was becoming more and more stricken with Migraines that would pop-up out of nowhere, thus causing pain and debilitating swelling in my neck and back, which then caused numbness in all four of my limbs.

CDB actually saved my life, because it got me to kick my addiction to a couple dozen Meds (Opioid) and anti-inflammatory pills, every day.

Thank you for your help Dr. Eidelman

Additional information about Dr Eidelman is available at: http://dreidelman.com/

Emerald Peaceful Green Forest is an internationally known Speaker, Creative Age Leader and Transformation Artist.  A successful and award-winning entrepreneur since her mid-20's, she is also active in her community and has served in many volunteer leadership positions and is an avid supporter of children’s organizations & the arts for years.  She is a published author with several books of her own as well as a contributor to 15 anthologies.   Listed as one of America’s Premier Experts, and recipient of a Be the Change “Movement to Watch” award Emerald has appeared in major media – most recently on CNBC’s Nightly Business Report. She has created an international reputation online as a speaker where she’s shared the “virtual” stage with colleagues like John Assaraf from “The Secret,” Sark, Marianne Williamson, David Wolfe and Gay & Kathlyn Hendricks, Ali Brown and other leading global change agents.  Emerald was selected to be featured in the Nu Icon Movie produced and been heard by millions through tele-summits and other virtual events broadcast all over the world, nearly 500 times in several years.

CARMEL RIVELLO MAGUIRE

Carmel Rivello Maguire had been influencing the design world for twenty-five years. As founder of Carmelot Interiors, Inc., and then as Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning and Business Development for two major interior design firms specializing in hotel and resort/hospitality design in California and Florida.

One of the first women to be invited to join Rotary International in the San Fernando Valley area of California, she is the recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow award, as well as one of the first women in the country to be elected “Rotarian of the Year”.

Carmel wrote and produced her own 12-segment interior design show for local cable viewing.

During her time as Executive Vice President for the hospitality design firms, she became a much sought-after industry speaker, taking her knowledge and enthusiasm into the professional community throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada the Bahamas and Hawaii.

She has spoken at the American Resort Development (ARDA) conventions and to the timeshare industry across the country. Carmel is also a member of ARDA, a Registered Resort Professional (RRP), and held membership in the International Society of Interior Designs (ISID), as well as being a frequent contributor to “Developments Magazine”, one of the resort industry’s premiere international publications.

Carmel is the mother of four grown daughters and four amazing grandchildren.

After 48 years, Carmel returned to complete her university studies At Cal Lutheran University. She earned her degree, a triple Major in Art, Drama and Women’s studies, completing this work with Dean’s Lists honors, twice and spoke as the Valedictorian for the commencement at age 70!

She and her late husband traveled the world, bringing hope and valuable information to thousands of clients, from Dubai to Kuwait, Buenos Aires, to Rio, China to Ireland, London to Paris, and many local cities throughout the United States!

Her workshops and seminars, filled with humorous stories enable Carmel to bring her wisdom to many who value her work.

Most recently, Carmel has been honored as the International Ambassador of PEACE for the Rainbow Bridge, bridge to Inner Peace and to World Peace.

One of Carmel’s speaking topics to Women’s groups is titled:

MEMORIES, MOTHERHOOD AND MARINARA.

Giving back is important to Ms. Rivello-Maguire; her work with “Support for the Kids,” distributing food, clothing and toys to the needy in many communities  in Southern California, is part of her generous spirit! And, speaking Donald Duck in Spanish to the little ones evokes squeals of laughter.

As Docent in the “Gardens of the World”, she thrills to meeting people from all over the world welcoming them in their native language, as well as greeting close neighbors.

Her love of plants and horticulture found her donating her time for over seven years at a women’s center in Ventura, CA., working with women and their children in recovery from drug, alcohol and spousal abuse, teaching the clients to plant, grow their food, and cook a great Italian dinner!

She and her partner Jerry reside in Ojai, CA.

Below are her most requested topics where she will inspire and delight your audience.

Memories, Motherhood & Marinara

Creating Serenity Through Adversity

Using the metaphor of cooking in my NY Italian family’s kitchen I take your audience on a journey with stories of adversity and triumph, heartbreak and unconditional love. They will be deeply moved and inspired as they discover:

• How to look for the gift in the dysfunction.
• Laughter is the shortest distance between two souls
• How to find strength from early childhood trauma

What You Put Into The Sauce Of Your Life Makes All The Difference!

PHILIPPO FRANCHINI

Also known as “The Musical Alchemist”, Franchini began his study of music at eight years old; yoga and meditation soon followed at age fourteen.

The son of an Italian father and American mother, Franchini always loved music and fell in love with the guitar as a young boy listening to folk tunes and cowboy songs. He began studying classical guitar with a passion when he was eight years old. With this strong foundation, he began exploring a wide range of musical genres, with interests as far and as wide as Indian classical and chant, Brazilian pop, Reggae, Rock n’ Roll, Blues and Gospel. Amazingly, Philippo weaves it all together in a beautiful, uplifting Musical Alchemy – and his exploration continues!

Philippo was fascinated by the power of music to evoke and transform emotions and states of consciousness, and began studying Nada Yoga and Sound Healing with noted teachers such as Dr. John Beaulieu and Sylvia Nakkach. Many of his compositions are infused with compelling tones and sonic healing energy and are beneficial for yoga practice, meditation and, of course, dancing!

“I wanted to create music that would be a doorway for others to enter into meditation, healing energy, a sense of the sublime… perhaps to accompany yoga practice or comfort someone who felt out of balance. I also wanted to express a sense of gratitude, wonder, and openness.”

–Philippo Franchini

A longtime bandmate of sacred music artist, David Newman, Philippo has toured around the world, playing festivals, yoga retreats and teaching workshops. He has five albums available, both solo and with his ensemble Blues Divine, and has contributed to dozens of other artists work as well. Currently Philippo lives in both California and Europe.

DAVID NEWMAN

David Newman is a renowned sacred mantra artist, singer-songwriter, author, and inspirational teacher. David, also known as Durga Das, travels extensively sharing his music, and teachings on the path of love as a vehicle for spiritual awakening. He has released numerous chart-topping world music albums, and is the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller The Timebound Traveler. David is also the founder of the Stay Strong Project and Yoga On Main. He has been featured on NPR, and in The Washington Post and Yoga Journal among many others.

“David Newman is reminiscent of George Harrison, Dylan and Paul Simon when they are in soul mode.”

LA Yoga Magazine

“At David Newman’s concert, the event’s volume knob seemed to go from low-level joy to full-on bliss, the kind you feel after climbing a gorgeous mountain or ending a tough run on a strong sprint.”

The Washington Post

Brett Hintz is the Director of Operations for Topgolf in Naperville, IL.  He oversees operations for the 65,000 square-foot golf entertainment venue that blends technology and entertainment, designed for golfers, non-golfers, children and adults - creating an experience that makes socializing a sport for everyone. Before this role, Hintz served as General Manager for Lettuce Entertainments Shaw's Crab House.  Hintz has served on the Meet Chicago Northwest Convention and Visitors Executive Board for 7 years and is a past Chairman and current treasurer.  Hintz attended Kansas State University and in his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife Rachel and his 9 ½ year old twin boys Jasper and Carter.

“I’m excited to see the talent that Naperville has to offer at our new location,” said Topgolf Naperville Director of Operations Brett Hintz. “We take pride in our selection process by recognizing real potential and genuine personalities – all while engaging in a friendly and fun environment.”

This will be the second Topgolf location in the Chicago area; Topgolf Wood Dale was converted from an existing driving range and opened in 2007. The Naperville location will be Topgolf’s flagship model, built from the ground up. It will feature upgraded technology and amenities, new golfing games, climate-controlled hitting bays, each with its own ball dispenser.

Hintz noted that more than 1,500 people auditioned at the most recent Topgolf opening in Kansas City, so interested applicants should reserve their audition spot early.

Topgolf Naperville recently began selling game credit and memberships, available for a one-time $5 cost or $80-250 per month, depending on the level of benefits desired. Residents can purchase a Lifetime Membership plus $45 worth of game credit on sale for $25 until Aug. 30. Additionally, the first 50 people to purchase a monthly membership will have the initiation fee waived and will receive an invitation for themselves plus a guest to attend the exclusive Topgolf VIP grand opening party. The evening will include complimentary food, drinks, entertainment, celebrity appearances and Topgolf play.

For more information about working at Topgolf

To purchase one of the pre-opening offers

About Topgolf

Topgolf is a global sports entertainment community creating the best times of your life, with 18 locations projected to serve 8 million guests annually. Players hit golf balls containing computer microchips that track each shot’s accuracy and distance while awarding points for hitting targets on the outfield. Each facility offers an upscale and playful experience, featuring an impressive food and beverage menu, music, games, climate-controlled hitting bays, and hundreds of HDTVs. Topgolf also brings fun, interactive experiences to the community through its Topgolf U lessons, leagues, tournaments, KidZone parties, and social and corporate events. 

For over 25 years Melissa, a well-respected, former world champion athlete, hall of fame inductee, exercise physiologist, and single digit handicap golfer has built her practice around helping athletes improve their game, health and sense of well being.  



In her private practice she coaches a select group of elite athletes (players from the Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls and Cubs) and seven touring golf professionals.  Power Break Fitness Edge is a program that incorporates key elements of her training and brings it to facilities in the chicagoland area. 



Melissa holds the following certifications:

• TPI Fitness Certified (levels 1,2 and 3)
• TPI Junior Certified (levels 2 and 3)
• TPI certified golf coach (level 2)
• TPI Speaker (level 2)
• TRX Certified
• Power Plate Certified ( Levels 1 and 2)
• Spin Certified
• K-Vest Certified
• Russian Kettle Certified (RKC)
• Has held certifications in (Zumba,  and Wellness Coaching)

In 1978, Melissa Orth was in the process of training to make the Olympic gymnastics team when a knee injury side-lined her. To strengthen that knee she began weight training with the former Mr. Universe (Mr. Olympia and Mr. America!), Bob Gadja. Under his guidance, Melissa discovered she had talent and in 1980, at the age of 17, Melissa became the World Champion Power Lifter in her division!



In 1982, she earned the body building title "Miss Collegiate America."Along with her athletic accomplishments, Melissa graduated from George Williams college in 1985 with her Bachelor in Science. She went on to achieve her MBA in 1987 from Aurora University proving that not all MBAs wear a 3 piece suit! After graduation, Melissa decided to try something new and different and for two years worked in sales for a large software company becoming their #1 sales person in her division.