Rev. Maria Dancing Heart Hoaglund was born in Tokyo, Japan, daughter of Lutheran missionaries. She spent her childhood growing up in Japan, attending Japanese public schools through the eighth grade. As a result, she is bilingual and bicultural, and has used her language and cultural skills in a variety of ways through the years. After finishing high school at Canadian Academy in Kobe, Japan, she moved to the United States for college. She graduated from Yale College, and later attended seminary and received her Masters of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary in 1984.



In 1985 she began parish ministry at Church of the Crossroads in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she was ordained in the United Church of Christ. She continued in parish ministry for ten years, serving a variety of U.C.C. churches in Hawaii and in the Great Northwest.



She changed her focus of ministry in 1995 when she began working as a bereavement coordinator for a hospice program in the Puget Sound area. She added spiritual counseling to her repertoire that same year, and has continued with this work to this day. Maria also trained in spiritual direction (1994-'97), and serves as a spiritual director and consultant. Because of her broad universal perspective, her ministry has an "inter-faith" quality. She also continues to preach and perform weddings, memorial services, funerals, and other rituals, sharing her universalist perspective.



Maria self-published her books, The Last Adventure of Life: Sacred Resources for Transition (July, 2005) and The Most Important Day of Your Life: Are You Ready? (June, 2010). In May of 2008, a 2nd edition of The Last Adventure was published through Findhorn Press with a new subtitle: Sacred Resources for Living and Dying from a Hospice Counselor. A third edition came out through Finch Publishing of Australia in 2009. These books can also be helpful for those who desire to deepen their spiritual life by examining their questions and doubts around death and dying.



No matter what our religious or spiritual background may be, we must all face our death one day. The sooner we can come to terms with "the most important event of our life" the better. May Maria's books and holistic resources be tools to assist you and your family members and friends in being "proactive" and more comfortable conversing about this topic and everything associated with it. May they also help all of us as we move through all the changes and transitions that are required of us in the shifting, momentous, transformational times! 

JOHN POTASH has been featured on CSPAN’s American History TV and has been interviewed on dozens of radio stations around the U.S. and abroad. His work has also been published in the Baltimore Chronicle, the City Paper, Covert Action Quarterly, Rock Creek Free Press, and Z magazine. He has worked counseling people with mental health issues and addictions for over twenty-five years.

In May 2015, Potash released his book: Drugs as Weapons Against Us: The CIA’s Murderous Targeting of SDS, Panthers, Hendrix, Lennon, Cobain, Tupac and other Activists. Potash completed graduate studies at Columbia University. He published his first book, The FBI War on Tupac Shakur and Black Leaders, in 2007.

Jim Nussbaumer composed his first novel – a football saga – at age eleven on the shiny turquoise typewriter he found under the Christmas tree.  The book was entitled Reaching for the Goal.  While his life has taken many turns since then, his focus on the Quest has never wavered.

Following tours of duty at Kent State University and in the U.S. Air Force, he spent the next twenty-five years in the financial services industry, excelling in a field he loathed – though not immune to its perks.  By his thirties, running his own independent agency, he became an experienced public speaker and wrote a monthly column on financial security for Senior Forum, a regional Ohio newsletter.  He then launched his own monthly client newsletter, Retirement Insights, which became hugely popular and evolved into a self-help publication with a nontraditional, nonreligious, spiritual slant.

Despite a long, successful career, in 2007 – faced with the pressures of an economy in freefall; the loss of one wife to cancer and two to divorce; the needs of his children and demands of an upscale lifestyle; and responsibilities to panicking clients – he illegally withdrew $100,000 of client’s funds to try to recoup the value of their investments and rescue his floundering business.  The strategy failed and landed him a sentence of ten years. 

His time in prison has been hell, and has also been unexpectedly fruitful, resulting in his return to his first love, writing, and the series that begins with The Master of Everything. The manuscripts were painstakingly handwritten in lined notebooks (he has no computer available in prison) and the material just keeps on coming. 

Former Deputy Attorney General, Delaware,  defense attorney, entrepreneur, and a former prisoner and addict.

From 1974 to 1979, Ken was a deputy attorney general for Delaware with statewide authority and jurisdiction prosecuting all manner of criminal cases, thousands of them, from investigations through trials and appeals. Then, as a defense attorney, he represented the first person in the state to be prosecuted under a drug law requiring a mandatory minimum sentence. A veteran of winning  more than 400 jury trials and about 200 non- jury trials, Ken has seen the system when it worked well.

He says, “During my unlawful incarceration, I learned as much as any lawyer on the planet about prisoner civil rights issues and other prison related issues. I learned about all types of post-conviction litigation, where I got a good look at the state of what America now calls its criminal justice system.”

Ken is acutely aware of the dangers of drugs as a former cocaine addict who spent five years (four unlawfully) incarcerated. Having recovered and having  educated himself concerning addiction, and being active in of NA/AA meetings  for years, and learning what he describes as a “boatload of information about addiction and related behavioral  problems”, Ken has seen that punitive drug laws and incarceration only make the problem worse. Treatment is needed, not prison. Ken is also a member of the Speakers’ Bureau for LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition), and a former Rotarian.

“These laws strip us of reason and judgment,” he says of mandatory sentencing laws. “They endanger officers every day and do nothing to stem the flow of drugs. There is a better solution: legalize, regulate and tax.” Ken explains that he could see from his first mandatory-minimum case that the war on drugs would be a futile catastrophe. He advocates for a reformed system to legalize and regulate drugs.

Ken is a graduate of the Penn State Dickinson School of Law, Kenyon College. and The Peddie School.  He lives in Delaware, where after retiring, he founded Citizens for Criminal JUSTICE, a fast-growing nonprofit organization  created to address the myriad problems plaguing today’s criminal justice system, including a Church Reentry Program to ai.d prisoners reentering society. 96% of inmates will  be released; When we help them we help our communities

Maria Elena Infantino

Bruno Serato

It’s the quintessential American success story. A young man immigrates to the United States with nothing more than a dream and $200 in his pocket, works hard and creates one of the culinary world’s most respected and lauded fine dining establishments — the Anaheim White House. Renowned for its dramatic and artfully crafted Northern Italian/French cuisine as well as its elegant and historically significant setting in a mansion dating back to 1909, the Anaheim White House has counted celebrities, U.S. Presidents, dignitaries, world leaders and culinary aficionados alike as loyal patrons since its establishment in 1987. Thanks to his forward-thinking vision and an innate ability to “season” his guests’ dining experiences with a truly unique flair, Bruno Serato has traveled far from his humble roots as a busboy in Italy to create a culinary legacy that is recognized by both critics and patrons alike as among the finest in North America.

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Serato traces his roots to post World War II Italy, where his family worked as shepherds and, despite their modest means, were known for providing milk and cheese to those most in need in the war-ravaged country. Though they were getting by, times proved difficult for the growing family so his parents packed up and moved to France to work the land picking potatoes and beets in the northern region, approximately one-hour’s drive from Paris. They settled in the city of Laon, and it was there that he was born and raised along with his four brothers and two sisters until the age of 11.

Serato and his family returned to Italy in 1967 and settled in Verona, the famed city of Romeo and Juliet. This proved to be a fortuitous move for the young man, who was quickly developing a palate for unique regional cuisines while achieving fluency in both the Italian and French languages. It was there that they opened the family business, a small motel complex with a restaurant called the Bar Cristallo, and Serato was called upon to wear many hats in the burgeoning enterprise including chef, waiter, bartender and maitre d’ — often all at the same time!

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At the age of 20, Serato’s life took a dramatic turn as he was required to serve one year in the armed forces. He saw this as an opportunity to take a break from the restaurant business and explore other career and life options. After his military service, however, the pull was too strong and he returned to his passion.

A pivotal moment came in 1980, when Serato’s sister, Stella, told him of an opportunity at a French restaurant near her home that had just opened. She lived in Orange County, Calif., and he would have to relocate to America. This wasn’t a problem for the then 25-year-old Serato and he jumped at the chance.

Transitioning to his new life wasn’t easy, but Serato pledged to do everything in his power to thrive in his new environment. His excitement was palpable as he applied for an entry-level position at the famous La Vie en Rose in Brea. Though he couldn’t speak a word of English, he was determined to learn the language and his unbridled enthusiasm earned him a callback and within days he accepted a job as a dishwasher. While many individuals boasting his experience and breadth of knowledge in the restaurant industry would have scorned at such a lowly position, he was thrilled to be working in a renowned establishment.

Serato quickly caught the eye of the restaurant’s management team and rose through the service ranks until he was waiting tables during the coveted night shift. As his language skills improved, he enjoyed many moments of comic relief when performing his duties, such as the time a customer requested a “doggie bag” and, being unfamiliar with the term, thought the term was an insult to the chef and that the remaining portion of their filet mignon was to be discarded. After a good laugh was had by all — including the loyal customer — Serato became even more determined to master the language knowing it would be the key to his “recipe for success.”

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His destiny would change again in 1984, when he became friends with a customer named Louis Laulhere. Serato enjoyed the long and interesting conversations in French he had with the gentleman, who always arrived and dined alone. It was during this period that Serato learned that, in order to create the finest dining establishment possible, no details were too small and none were to be overlooked. From the service and cuisine to the employees and their measure of devotion and reliability, no stone was left unturned in his quest for excellence. Then, just as the revamped restaurant began accumulating scores of noted awards and distinctions, Serato broke new ground personally by being named “Maitre D’ of the Year” by the Southern California Restaurant Writers.

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In 1987, Serato began exploring the notion of striking out on his own. He had received many propositions over the years to oversee other fine dining establishments, but out of loyalty he remained at La Vie en Rose. But after hearing of the pending sale of the nearby White House Restaurant in Anaheim by leading area restaurateur Jim Stovall, he and Laulhere both knew that it bore the potential to become one of the finest and most beautiful restaurants in Southern California. And while leaving his home at La Vie en Rose proved to be as emotional for Serato as when he said goodbye to his family in Italy, it was a move that he knew would, once again, change his life forever.

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Stovall helped Serato navigate the complex financial waters of obtaining corporate financing and within two years, Serato bought the historic property. Though they didn’t have much, their reputations as restaurateurs along with the archive of press clippings and restaurant industry awards spoke volumes on their behalf. While Serato nervously awaited the phone call that bore the possibility of literally making or breaking his future, little did he know that bank officials had as much confidence in his abilities as he did and the loan was secured. His hopes for the Anaheim White House — and his future — had received the “green light.”

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Serato threw himself into redesigning the restaurant’s menu to represent contemporary Northern Italian cuisine, but with a French flair. He moved away from dishes with heavy red sauces and created new ones highlighting the lighter tastes and flavors of herbs & olive oil — a move that would help spearhead a culinary trend that would come to be known as “California cuisine.” He also took great pains to develop an unparalleled wine list and secured varietals from across the globe. Serato designed elaborate, yet historically appropriate settings within the restaurant and in the garden areas to create spaces that could accommodate intimate dinner parties or cocktail receptions for more than 450 guests. In addition, he created a catering division that had the ability to accommodate small and large parties of any theme in locations as far away as Bora Bora. These changes earned him both popular and critical acclaim and, over the ensuing years, made the Anaheim White House a draw for celebrities ranging from President Carter to Madonna.

Top 10 2011

CNN Hero

San Marino Silver Medallion

The Scudo San Marino medallion is given to individuals as recognition for acts of generosity, altruism and human solidarity. A special room in a Castle in Florence, Italy is opened up once a year for the award ceremony. The New York Fire Department as well as Mother Teresa of Calcutta were previous recipients of this award. This year Bruno was awarded the Silver medallion (the highest level) of this award and is proud to be in the same company as The NYFD, Mother Teresa and all other former recipients.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America Presidents Award

Bruno was awarded the Presidents Award on October 13 2011, at the National Boys & Girls Clubs of America meeting in Las Vegas. The award was presented to him by the President of the Boys & Girls Club of America, Roxanne Spillett. The honor was awarded to Bruno on behalf of President George Bush & President Barack Obama.

Serato Gets Star on Anaheim’s Walk of Stars

Bruno Serato, owner of the Anaheim White House, the popular restaurateur known for his extensive philanthropic received a star on the Anaheim Walk of Stars on Tuesday August 19, 2008

A highlight of the event will be the attendance of dozens of underprivileged children who receive a free meal each night, thanks to Serato and his Caterina’s Club foundation.

Bruno Serato, proprietor of Anaheim White House Restaurant, Anaheim, won big in this year’s National Restaurant Association “Restaurant Neighbor Award” competition. Serato was honored as 2005’s “Humanitarian of the Year” which singles out an individual restaurant operator’s dedication, commitment, and support to his or her community.

Bruno, along with 2005’s large and small business division winner, was honored on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Serato was awarded for his involvement with two local charities, Paint Your Heart Out and the Boys and Girls Club.

2005 Cornerstone Humanitarian of the Year

Owner Bruno Serato received this award from the “California Restaurant Association”

2005 California Humanitarian Award

2004 Restaurateur of the Year. Bruno was awarded this wonderful honor by the “Southern California Restaurant Writers Association”

2004 Restaurateur of

the Year

Bruno was the honoree of the Anaheim Boys & Girls annual gala on April 3rd, 2004.

Anaheim Boys & Girls Club Honoree

On March 7th, Bruno was honored by the American Italian Renaissance Foundation with the Italian Heritage Award

2004 Italian Heritage Award

Citizen of the Year

Bruno Serato received the ‘2003 Citizen of the Year’ award from the Cypress College Foundation.

In homage to his own humble beginnings, Serato has made it a priority to give back to those less fortunate in the community. Among the organizations that he supports are the Boys and Girls Clubs of Anaheim; Paint Your Heart Out, an organization that renovates the homes of the elderly and infirmed; and Caterina’s Girls Club, which Serato founded in honor of his mother to benefit underprivileged girls in Anaheim. His philanthropic efforts have raised nearly $1 million for various endeavors and earned him a regional distinction of which he is particularly proud, “Citizen of the Year” by the Cypress College Foundation and presented by the City of Anaheim.

As he faces the future with much the same enthusiasm that brought him to this country, Serato has earned a coveted position in Southern California’s culinary landscape. He pledges to continue doing the work that he loves with the same level of passion and devotion that has earned him legions of loyal devotees across the globe. Though he spends much of his time planning for the future, Serato still remains grounded in his roots and, to this day, tells guests a story from the early days that has kept him inspired through these many years.

“One day, the first week after we’d opened the restaurant, a woman who claimed to be a psychic said ‘Tell the owner that you have a ghost here, but that it’s a good ghost, and he will love you because you’re going to do a lot of good. This restaurant will not only be a success, but it will receive all the honors, be written up in all the local and international publications. Presidents will dine here, as well as some of the most famous people in the world.’ ‘Thanks,’ I replied. ‘I’ll be sure to tell him,’ thinking to myself, where do these people come from? It all came true, and after so many years that woman, now a friend, still dines here regularly.”

As a professional and scholar I conscientiously and actively pursue professional activities in order to keep myself current with issues and concerns surrounding reading and language arts, maintain and expand professional relationships with colleagues in my discipline and other related disciplines, continue to be a relevant and productive contributor to my discipline and other related disciplines, and to add visibility to my department, school, and university.

Among my professional affiliations include: National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), National Reading Conference (NRC), International Reading Association (IRA), Connecticut Association for Reading Research (CARR), New England Reading Association (NERA), Phi Delta Kappa, CCSU Chapter (PDK), and the Center for Expansion of Language and Thinking (CELT). I am also active in the Connecticut Literacy Think Tank, a consortium of professional educators who are either directly or indirectly involved in reading and language arts from the State of Connecticut, i.e., Central Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, St. Joseph’s College, University of Hartford, University of Bridgeport, University of Connecticut, and the State Department of Education/Bureau of Curriculum and Instruction. The Think Tank committee serves as a consulting/advisory body to the Connecticut Association for Reading Research and the Connecticut Reading Association on issues that impact on curriculum and instruction, and assessments in reading and language arts in the state of Connecticut. I also served as Publication Chair and Editor for the Connecticut Association for Reading Research (CARR). CARR is a professional organization dedicated to the enhancement and improvement of professional development of reading and language arts educators in Connecticut. It advocates leadership in support of research, policy and practice that improves reading instruction and supports the best interests of all learners and reading professionals. It also encourages and supports research at all levels of reading and language arts education to promote informed decision making by reading professionals, policy makers, and the public. Through CARR, our graduate students in reading and language arts have received scholarships and research awards. Additionally, I am Treasurer and Chair of the Membership Committee of the Phi Delta Kappa, CCSU Chapter. PDK is an international professional association in education designed to stimulate the professional growth of members and to deal with current problems and issues related to public education. My appointment to the State of Connecticut Task Force for helping struggling readers in Connecticut grades four to nine is beneficial to our department particularly in informing our curriculum and instruction in the clinical sequence—diagnosis and remediation in reading and language arts.

I have always been passionate and committed to working with teachers in classroom practice as well as parents in supporting their children’s literacy learning through professional development programs. I facilitated a series of Annual Parent University Collaborative Professional Development Project in the New Britain Consolidated Schools (2007, 2008 & 2009).

Recently, I have been invited to serve on the Board of the New Britain Grade-Level Reading Campaign, a funded program in collaboration with the Annie E. Casey Grade Level Reading Campaign, the Connecticut Center for School Change, the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, and the Connecticut Department of Education to ensure that all students in New Britain are reading at grade level by the end of grade 3, and the Welcome to My World Autism-a support group for parents with children with autism. Serving on executive boards allows me to influence policies or decisions that impact student learning.

Leonie Haimson is Executive Director of Class Size Matters, a non-profit parent advocacy group working for smaller class sizes in NYC and the nation as a whole. The New York Times has called her the “city’s leading proponent of smaller classes.” She was a public school parent for fifteen years, and is now a board member of the Network for Public Education, the national organization started by Diane Ravitch in 2013. Recently she spearheaded the battle against states and districts disclosing personal student information to a corporation called inBloom Inc., and through inBloom with for-profit vendors without parental consent. She writes for the NYC Public School Parent blog, where she broke the story of the flawed Pineapple passage and questions on the 2012 NY state exams. Her articles and opinion pieces have been published in Education Week, the New York Times, the Nation, New York Daily News, InsideSchools, In These Times, the Washington Post Answer Sheet, Gothamschools/Chalkbeat, Schoolbook, Gotham Gazette, Huffington Post, and elsewhere. She is a graduate of Harvard University, worked as a parent advocate at the Educational Priorities Panel, and started Class Size Matters in 2000. She regularly speaks before parent, community, and governmental groups, and has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, NY1, Fox News, Al Jazeera, Democracy Now, NY1, and numerous national radio shows. In 2007 she received the John Dewey award from the United Federation of Teachers; in 2009 she was named as one of NYC’s family heroes by NYC Family Magazine; and in 2013 she was honored as an “Extraordinary Advocate for Our Children” by Advocates for Justice. In 2014, she received the “Parent Voice” award from Parents Across America, for her work on student privacy and helping to defeat inBloom Inc. In 2015, she was named one of the ten most influential leaders in the field of education technology by Tech and Learning magazine. References and publications upon request.