Linnea Sheldon

The Joel Gnakale Entertainment Company

lsheldon — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:59 +0000

Six years ago, Joel Gnakale came to the United States from West Africa with big dreams. A self-described “born entertainer,” he started his own entertainment company to bring African events and entertainment to the States. As the founder and operations manager for Joel Gnakale Entertainment Company, he has seen this mission through.

The company specializes in producing and promoting the arts in five countries, helping reach fans across cultures. “JoelGnakale Entertainment specializes in hosting huge events such as movie premieres, red carpet events, and special appearances,” Gnakale explained. “Recently we hosted a New England premiere [at Mechanics Hall] for Executive Images’ Mind Game, a movie with African, Hatian, American actors.” Gnakele could be seen posing on the red carpet with Miss Nigeria, Miss Ivory Coast, Miss Guinea, Miss Liberia and Miss Guinea.”

Gnakale’s received a degree in Video and Audio Production from the New England Institute of Technology, and is currently enrolled in their Media Technoloy degree program, concentrating in Audio Recording. In his position, Gnakale deals with actors, performers, and event organizers, making upwards of 200 phone calls a day, along with 20 conference calls and hundreds of text messages ~ as well as faxes and emails.

Once a contract is written, it is sent to the financial department of the company for review. It is then sent to the CEO for final approval. From there, the information is sent to the artistic department which then begins planning the event ~ from finding a venue to building a marketing and promotional campaign.

The process involves a lot of planning and forethought. “We apply new thinking and ideas to create more simple, valuable and trusted experiences with entertainment industries,” Gnakale said. “We are continuously improving the way our fans and artists live and work together in a peaceful world.”

His decision to move to Worcester just over a year ago was based on the business opportunities he saw in and around the city. Its central location was another big selling point.

The Joel Gnakale Entertainment Company’s initial concept was to bring Africa to America, hosting huge events in the states. Gnakale is not content stopping there, however, and would like to bring America to Africa. “By early next year we will be prepared to bring the U.S.A. to Africa,” he said. “Our company will host big name actors and performers on tour in Africa.”

As for his own future, Gnakale plans on working as hard as possible, building his name and his company. “In five years I would like my name to make as much money as possible,” he explained. “I would like our company to be established, and have people work for me as I retire somewhere in Brazil with my family.”

Gnakale is also a licensed touring agent with the American Federation of Musicians. He is available as a booking agent in the Worcester area, and also uses that license to bring actors from abroad to tour in the U.S.

Chris

lsheldon — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:58 +0000

Chris is down over 40 lbs. from just over a year ago thanks to his hard work and determination. His body fat percentage has also dropped nearly 10 percent thanks to his cardio and weight training regimen.

Before

After

Chris shares some of his secrets for success and his in-it-for-the-long-run attitude with us here:

What lifestyle changes have you made?

Less of the bad stuff, more of the good stuff. I’m doing the gym everyday, I’m playing basketball once a week, and I’m eating more healthy foods.

What are you doing for exercise?

I train with Linnea doing different weight training routines two to three times a week, and I try to do a little bit of cardio at least five days a week, with more intense sessions two to three of those days, at least one being an interval training routine. My daughter and my dog keep me plenty busy running around the yard each night.

What kind of diet are you following?

Nothing specific, I make sure to eat breakfast every day (usually cereal with low fat milk). For lunch I always eat a salad with grilled chicken. Plus I cut way back on soda.

How do you stay motivated?

My family. I want to make sure I’m happy and healthy to seem my daughter grow up. I also go to the gym in the middle of the afternoon and that really breaks up the day. After going to the gym at 12 the rest of the day seems like it’s easy coasting.

What is your biggest challenge?

Keeping active outside the gym. Working out with treadmills and equipment is relatively easy, especially with Linnea helping you. However, keeping active while going about daily activities is not so easy.

What advice do you have for others that may be just starting out?

Just go. Every day. Even if you feel like you have no energy, just get your feet in the gym door. Once you get that first foot in the door it gets easier. Even if you can’t make it through a whole program, just do what you can and get some exercise. Getting a great trainer helps too.

Bill Luff

lsheldon — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:56 +0000

Bill Luff has been a professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter for several years. Originally trained in Kung Fu he began practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which led to fighting professionally. He later discovered Mixed Martial Arts, a form of combat fighting that combines Jiu-Jitsu with Muay Thai kickboxing and boxing as well as other forms of modern martial arts, and includes a variety of fighting techniques including striking and grappling.

Luff took his love for the sport and began building a career around it. He initially opened the Central Mass Fight Club in a small space he rented out in a larger boxing gym. Because it was rented space there were time constraints and limited space for growth. It has been about five years since he began his career as a gym owner and instructor, and he now co-owns the largest Mixed Martial Arts facility in New England. He also coaches and conditions students, and instructs classes, along with performing the everyday operations of the gym along with his two co-owners.

Luff works a six day work week, the only day the gym is closed is Sunday. Currently he opens the gym at 8 a. m. and begins the day by washing the mats, cleaning up, and reading and sending emails and making phone calls. He then teaches a women’s Muay Thai class at 10 a. m. After the morning class he usually works with students who have dropped in for there workouts, or if it is a slow day he continues do more emailing and calling on the business end. He generally leaves the gym at noon, at which point one of his two co-owners takes over. He returns at 5 p. m. to help the night-time instructor sign up new students, to teach private lessons, or to sign up new students. At about 9-9:30 p. m. he closes the gym for the evening.

The Mixed Martial Arts Training Center trains anyone from beginners to professional fighters. The 5,000 square foot gym has over 1,500 square feet of open mat space, and MMA training cage, a boxing center with a complete boxing ring and a section of numerous heavy bags, as well as a full pro shop featuring some of the best fight gear available. There is also a small weight room and a member lounge area. The courses offered at the gym include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, boxing, and women’s self defense. There is also open mat time for workout and practices. Their instructors are some of the most prestigious coaches in the area, including co-owner Matt Lee, a well-known Mixed Martial Arts fighter, as well as the previous amateur boxing star, and local boxing coach Rocky Gonzalez.

“We wanted to make Mixed Martial Arts available to the average person,” Luff said. “It’s the fastest growing sport in the world right now. It is more popular than boxing, pro wrestling, and even baseball. Until now, most gyms catered only to those who actually wanted to fight. We believed there was a market for the casual fan who wanted to just train. Whether it was for fitness, self defense, or just for fun, we wanted to make it available to them.”

Luff’s advice to those looking to open their own gym is to invest in your business. “As you grow, invest in yourself,” he said. “Instead of blowing your profits on yourself, buy new equipment, move to a larger place, etc. Try to steadily grow. Remember, you are either growing, or dying. Business does not stand still. Also, advertise, advertise, advertise. Get your name out there.”

Allison Kennedy, 30, Worcester

lsheldon — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:55 +0000

Allison Kennedy is the organizing director at Neighbor to Neighbor, a group that works to build strength in low-income and working class communities by tackling economic justice issues. Kennedy received her Bachelor of the Arts from Providence College in 1998 and a certificate of completion from the Training Institute for Careers in Organizing (TICO) in New York that same year. During her time at TICO, she learned that “…that the most effective model for bringing about change was by empowering marginalized communities to get involved in the political process through voting and influencing legislation.” The Neighbor to Neighbor community-organizing model includes voter registration and education, candidate endorsements, public policy advocacy, coalition building, and the development of sustainable grassroots leadership. Their working family agenda program focuses on good jobs, education and training, affordable child care, health care, and housing, a welfare safety net, and progressive taxation. What continues to inspire Kennedy? “I am inspired each time a member shares testimony about how they are personally affected by pending legislation with their legislator. I am inspired by the dedication and commitment of our diverse membership despite struggling to make ends meet. I am inspired by our statewide victories, including raising the minimum wage and restoring MassHealth dental and vision benefits.” Kennedy plans to continue working for economic justice with Neighbor to Neighbor and to work with the other chapters to ensure that all of the momentum from this year’s electoral and legislative victories continues.

Fitness Certifying Bodies

lsheldon — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:52 +0000

ACSM stands for the American College of Sports Medicine. It bills itself as “The largest sports medicine, and exercise science organization in the world.” Founded in 1954, it has over 20,000 members. Since 1984 ACSM has been headquartered in Indianapolis, IN. The mission statement of ACSM is as follows:

“The American College of Sports Medicine promotes and integrates scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life.”

ACSM offers a Personal Trainer Certification designed for fitness professionals who work with clients individually, as well as a Health/Fitness Instructor Certification which is for leaders of health programs in a variety of different setting. The organization also offers clinical certifications. The Exercise Specialist certification is for people who possess a Bachelor’s degree in an allied health field. The Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification requires a Master’s degree in exercise science, movement science, exercise physiology, or kinesiology.

ACE stands for the American Council on Exercise. It was founded in 1985, and has more than 40,000 certified professionals across the world. ACE is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCAA) for each of its certification programs, Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant, and Clinical Exercise Specialist. ACE is “dedicated to improving the professional standards of the fitness industry and encourages all segments of society to enjoy the benefits of exercise.”

NSCA stands for the National Strength and Conditioning Association. It’s mission statement is as follows:

“As the worldwide authority on strength and conditioning, we support and disseminate research-based knowledge and its practical application to improve athletic performance and fitness.”

The NSCA offers two certifications, the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification and the Certified-Personal Trainer certification. The NSCA allows people who are not certified through the NSCA to join for a fee, this will give you access to information and resources, including job listings and networking opportunities.

NASM stands for the National Academy of Sports Medicine – “The Global Authority in Health and Fitness.” Founded in 1987, NASM has more than 100,000 members across the globe. They offer an NCAA accredited Certified Personal Trainer certification, as well as progressive education including advanced specializations, continuing education courses, and accredited Bachelor and Master degree programs. The mission of NASM is “To empower individuals to live healthy.”

AFAA stands for the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. It bills itself as the world’s largest fitness and Telefitness educator. Founded in 1983, they provide training and workshops across the globe, and have issued over 200,000 certifications. AFAA is an affiliate of the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE). AFAA’s mission statement is as follows:

“As the world’s largest fitness educator, AFAA delivers comprehensive cognitive and practical education for fitness professionals, grounded in industry research, using both traditional and innovative modalities. AFAA upholds Basic Exercise Standards and Guidelines for safe fitness practice.”

AFAA provides four different certifications, Personal Trainer certification, Primary Group Exercise certification, Kickboxing certification, and Step certification. The organization also provides continuing education work shops and credits, as well as networking and job search tools.

stands for the International Sports Sciences Association. ISSA describes itself as the world leader in fitness education based on its on staff experts who have designed and built the organization and its programs. It offers certifications in Fitness Trainer, Specialist in Performance Nutrition, Specialist in Sports Conditioning, Fitness Therapy, Youth Fitness Trainer, Endurance Fitness Trainer, Specialist in Martial Arts Conditioning, Specialist in Fitness for Older Adults, and Water Fitness Trainer. Founded in 1988, they claim to be the first organization to offer a personal training certification, and currently have over 80,000 members across the globe.

Wings Over Worcester

lsheldon — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:48 +0000

Much to the excitement of local college students and wings fans alike, there is a new joint in Worcester that serves terrific tasting wings, even late night. Everywhere you go there seems to be someone talking about the new Wings over Worcester, located on Water Street at 1 Kelly Square. Part of the WOW franchise, the Worcester location found its home in the city after 2 and a half years of planning.

Owners and partners Matthew Kamins and Laurian Banciulescu looked to Worcester when they decided to open their own restaurant after living just around the corner from the Hartford, CT location of the franchise, Wings over Hartford. “It is just an under-served market,” Kamins said. “Not many people in Worcester are doing wings and ribs so we thought we would come here and try it.” Kamins explained that not far into their city scouting they settled on Worcester because it’s a good-sized city with a large college population, their core constituency. They moved here about a year ago to scout buildings before choosing the Kelly Square location that now sports the enormous black and bright yellow Wings logo.

Wings over Worcester offers traditional wings, boneless wings, ribs, five levels of spicy sauces as well as favorites like Honey BBQ, teriyaki, and honey mustard. They also offer wraps and sandwiches. And these aren’t average wings. They are HUGE, meaty, and absolutely delicious. But consider yourselves warned, they’re totally addictive and you’ll find yourself unable to get through the day without an order! The menu itself is a lot of fun, too, with names like “Puddle Jumper,” “The Zeppelin,” and “The 747” for different size orders.

Hours are Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and for nightowls they are open Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. You can get your wings delivered right up until closing, but there’s also sit-down service for about 16 in the restaurant itself.

Kamins and Banciulescu are very happy to be in Worcester providing this service. “We look forward to giving everyone chicken wings,” Kamins said. And we look forward to eating those wings!

Visit Wings Over Worcester at www.wingsoverworcester.com, give them a call at 508-421-9464, or order on-line at www.wingsover.com

Lynn Verny

lsheldon — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:45 +0000

I started going to gyms in my late teens and am now approaching, dare I say it?, my 40s. My past experience with trainers have ranged from the, “If you’re not training to run the marathon or become a body builder, then I’ve done my job by showing you how to use the treadmill,” to the, “I’ll force you to work beyond the point of pain and exhaustion and then think you can still keep going.” Neither of these approaches has worked for me, and I would just end up not going back or trying to work out on my own from what I read in magazines. I would feel less than motivated workout on a regular basis.

Then I met Linnea.We have worked together 3 times a week for 3 years, and it has been a true collaboration. She meets with me to find out what my goals are and creates programs to achieve those goals. She is with me during every session to watch my form and push me in her “C’mon, I know you hate the assisted pull-up machine, but it’s a great workout and I know you can do it!” She has recognized my limitations and helped to work around it or overcome it. For example, if my knee hurt with a certain exercise, Linnea would stop that exercise, but find another one that would help strengthen my knee. She has taught me that when I feel actual pain, don’t force it and don’t give up because there’s always an alternative.

Linnea would give me fitness tests and see, for example, that when I did one-legged squats, my leg was going off center. She changed up my routine to include more balance exercises so I could (and did) improve and strengthen my balance. Linnea has the ability to relate to what I need from a trainer and kept me motivated to keep coming back to work out. I would see her relate with other clients too, where she would push someone beyond what worked for me, but was totally what that client needed and wanted. Her more easy-going attitude with me wouldn’t stop her from telling me, “If you want to lose that weight, you’re going to have to work harder and you’re going to have to work up a sweat every workout. I’ll help you do that and give you advice for what you can do on your own.” Ok, I know I had to work harder and sweat more, but I’m glad Linnea called me on it and made me accountable.

And, last, but certainly not least, her daily email messages and monthly newsletters provided workout tips, health related topics and great recipes! I always looked forward to reading them and learning how to lead a healthier lifestyle!

And now that I found a great trainer that works for me, do I now want to run a full marathon? Not ever, but Linnea has given me the confidence and the program to train for a 5K. And, most importantly, I now have discovered my motivation to do it because of the time I’ve worked with her.

Cool Ways to Protect Against the Sun

lsheldon — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:45 +0000

Looking good and staying safe don’t always mix well. Sun protection can bring sticky bodies, frizzy hair, and shapeless cover-ups. Fortunately, times have changed, and thanks to the increased demand for convenient and attractive sun-protection options, retailers are finally getting it right.

Glowing Protection

By adding sun protection into our everyday products, manufacturers are making covering up practical and stylish. Makeup, lotions, and even hair products are now available with SPF (sun protection factor). Murad makes it easy to get that healthy sun-kissed glow that everyone desires during the hot summer months. Their Radiant Bronze Face & Body Tinted Self-Tanner with SPF 15 gives you an instant glow and gradual tan while also protecting you from the harmful rays.

Murad also has a great product for the face and body. Their Firming Bronzer with SPF 15 is a light-weight lotion that increases skin firmness, gives instant color and includes sunscreen. That’s three products in one!

If you’re looking for a little more coverage on your face, bareMinerals’ SPF 15 Foundation gives flawless, light-weight coverage made of pure minerals free from preservatives and other chemicals that could irritate your skin.

Heal Those Burning Lips!

When covering up your skin, it’s easy to forget your lips. If you’re looking for a sexy pout that’s also safe from the sun, look no further than the Balm’s BalmShelter SPF 17 tinted gloss. It’s long wearing with lots of color options, and it not only protects but moisturizes as well. Plus, all the glosses are strawberry-banana scented!

Made with the Shades

Sunglasses are another great way to keep away the harmful rays. When shopping for sunglasses, you want to look for a pair that has large frames and is wide through the temple for best coverage. Shades now go up to UV 400 protection.

Clothing with a UPF (UV Protection Factor) is available in many styles and colors and has come a long way since it first hit the market. Many retailers offer casual clothing for all ages ~ as well as swim suits and active wear ~ with sun protection.

Clothes Fight Back

Can’t find any UPF clothing styles that you like? Well, another option is SunGuard Laundry Aid, which you can use on your own clothes. Just add a package to a hot or warm wash and instantly add a 30 UPF to all your clothing. Protection lasts up to 20 washes.

Hats are another great option for protecting the scalp, ears, and eyes. The Wallaroo Hat Company not only offers a variety of styles and colors of hats with UPF, they also donate a portion of their sales to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Totes’ Totesport SunGuard Umbrella is a great product that creates shade and comfort ~ and is very cute! These umbrellas come in a variety of colors and styles and offer UPF 50+ protection.

Know When It’s Time to Go

Now that you’re covered from head to toe in sun protection but still looking hot, what’s left? How about some accessories! UV Sol Beads change color in the sun to alert you to exposure to potentially harmful UV rays. As your UV exposure increases, the intensity of the beads’ color also increases. These beads can be used to make bracelets or can be clipped or tied to an umbrella, beach bag, or whatever works for you. They make a great reminder to limit sun exposure to keep you healthy and looking good.

Brendan Melican, 30, Worcester

lsheldon — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:45 +0000

You won’t hear Brendan Melican complaining about much. He’s too busy working to make positive changes in the community. Melican, known to many as Buck Paxton, attended Worcester public schools, as he expects his two-year old son to do. His responsibility to his community was something that he never questioned. “I grew up in Worcester following three generations for whom civic responsibility was never a question,” he said. “For me, the light bulb moment came while I was heavily involved with Worcester’s music scene. I was astounded by the talent that existed under the radar of the city. A convincing argument can be made for the cultural community being the catalyst for long term sustained growth in a community, but it’s a new direction for Worcester and many people have yet to be shown the light. I enjoy being a part of redefining our city along those terms.” His involvement in the community takes many forms. He is a co-founder of the Volcano Boy Media Network and is also a member of the Worcester Cultural Commission. As for the future, Melican plans on continuing his service to the community. He is keeping his options open, but he is always willing to do whatever it takes to make Worcester the best city it can be. “For the foreseeable future I’ll continue building relationships and connecting interested parties within the cultural, political and business communities, who in my opinion hold the keys to redefining what it means to be from Worcester,” he promises.

Matt Shwachman

lsheldon — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:43 +0000

Matt Shwachman came to Worcester at the tender age of eight years old. He attended Bancroft High School, where he began studying music during senior year. As part of his senior project, he picked up the guitar and also wrote his first song, “Side of the Road.” According to Shwachman, it is a song about finding your dreams and not letting what other people think get in the way of that. “Ironically enough, that is the first song I started getting national attention for,” he said. “It was recently featured on the hit TV show “One Tree Hill,” and is also featured on my new album, “Uncharted Territory,” which is a personal account touching on love, relationships, transformation, existentialism, and spirituality.”

Shwachman graduated from UMass Amherst with a degree in Business Administration, and is currently the Vice President of American Realty, Inc. He continues to focus on his career as a singer-songwriter as well.

After performing as a solo artist for several years, Shwachman decided to expand his musical horizons, creating the Matt Shwachman Band (MSB). The band features Hugh Allen on bass, Dana Bonardi on drums, and Mike Fiore on lead guitar.

“They are all extremely talented musicians as well as awesome guys,” Shwachman said. “We have been touring New England for the last 6-8 months with a focus on Worcester, Boston, and New York, and have already played many of New England’s top club venues, including The Hard Rock Café Boston.”

MSB also had a headlining slot at the Boston Music Festival and performed on the TV show “Backstage.” They also performed in First Night Worcester and are next playing Tammany Hall on Friday, January 2.

Shwachman said that he has always loved the songwriting aspect of what he does. “It’s like putting a puzzle together that is stuck inside your head,” he explained. “Every songwriter knows and loves that moment when you finish a new song and you can’t wait to play it for someone. What inspires me to keep doing it is that I hope I touch people’s lives the way other people’s music has touched mine.”

Shwachman felt differently about performing. “I did not always love to play live,” he confessed. “At the beginning I was encouraged by friends and family to play out. My parents and brother have been extremely supportive and encouraging. My guitar teacher, Rich Falco, head of Jazz Studies at WPI and an instructor at Clemente Music, was also instrumental in getting me to perform for the masses. Rich is an amazing guitarist and teacher as well as a good friend.”

He currently credits his band with giving him the drive and inspiration to perform. “The friendship and band chemistry that I have formed with Hugh, Dana, and Mike has been invaluable in my growth as a musician,” he said. “It is so much fun that I honestly can’t play enough right now, hence our busy schedule.”

Shwachman uses his talents to help out in his community. MSB has performed to help raise money and awareness for some great causes, recently performing and contributing to the Karaoke for a Cause event put on by City Councilor Joff Smith and Channel 3’s Jen Roy.

Shwachman’s plans for the future include touring and performing live with MSB as much as possible. For upcoming dates, visit www.myspace.com/mattshwachman and www.mattshwachman.com. MSB are also in the studio working on their first group CD, tentatively titled “Are You Prepared,” which is due out in the fall of ’09.