Driven to the Max: Photo Shoot and Q & A with Max Cadillac

Meet Max Cadillac. I have known Max professionally for the past five years in San Diego. Our paths have crossed with me providing public relations & marketing, and with him either performing in professional theatre productions, choreographing and/or costuming…and most recently modeling as my photography subject for an action-packed, fun editorial shoot, as Max embarks on his new journey – the sky’s the limit – and seize NYC – a.k.a. The Big Apple!

This past September, our photo shoot (for his new modeling “look book”) with Max took place during the day at a cool park as well as a suburban cul-de-sac and street in the Rancho Penasquitos area of San Diego. Max posed. I snapped away.

Take a gander at Max’s photographic versatility (and read our interview Q &A which follows)!

Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.

 

Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.

 

Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.

 

Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.

 

Max Cadillac. Photo by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications, 2017.

Q & A with Max Cadillac

SJF: Max, please give us the run down…tell us where you have performed professionally

MC: I have a true love for musical theatre and have been working hard throughout my field of choice – performing, choreographing, and costuming in San Diego. I’ve performed with Cygnet Theatre (Pageant, Gypsy), Moonlight Stage Productions (The Wizard of Oz, Music Man, Big Fish), San Diego Musical Theatre (White Christmas, Sound of Music, Cats, West Side Story), and most recently in The Tragedy of Carmen with the San Diego Opera.

SJF: Besides being a dancer, you’re also a choreographer. Where have you been the creator of all things dance?

MC: My choreography credits include: Canyon Crest Academy (Zombie Prom, Evita, Sweet Charity), La Jolla High School (Anything Goes), San Diego Junior Theater (Shrek the Musical), as well as other high school, college, and studio performances.

SJF: And your newest venture into costuming?

MC: Over the last year, I have expanded into costuming under the wing of costume designer Janet Pitcher.

SJF: Why NY? Does it have a special meaning for you?

MC: Though I am proud to be a native San Diegian, I’ve always felt like my home town was ‘Broadway to Bloomingdales’ in The Big Apple. My parents and family are from the tri-state area and having growing up bi-coastal going to summer camp in the Poconos, I have always loved New York the most. Not only that, but there are so many more opportunities for theater in New York than Southern California. The fantasy of moving to the city and booking the first audition sounds splendid, but the reality of planning his move to New York has been a long awaited plan since high school.

SJF: Tell us about your performing and where you have studied

MC: The drive to perform has always been there. I have attended performing arts schools since middle school. I first attended Children’s Creative and Performing Arts Academy before transferring to Coronado School of the Arts for high school. It was there I learned his passion could become a career, and I pursued a degree in Theater. I attended a California State University to pursue my degree, but he realized within the first month this was not the right program for me. So within that first semester, I applied, auditioned, and was accepted into AMDA  in Los Angeles for musical theatre. It was a program that mainly focused on acting, singing, dancing, and allowing their students to explore many aspects of the performance world on and off stage.

SJF: What was one of your favorite roles?

MC: Everyday is another chance to create and perform, but I really enjoyed my most recent performance as Lillas Pastia in the San Diego Opera’s The Tragedy of Carmen. The creative team wanted to make a whole new vision for the classic opera, so with only six cast members, sets and costumes spanning many different decades, and direction like no one has seen before, It was a true collaboration of artists working together to feature the best of their talents. And although my character did not have any songs or dialogue, I threw myself into the physicality of the character. To quote the lead of Carmen herself, she wrote me a lighthearted opening night letter saying “Thank you for stealing my show. Now own it” and that is exactly what I did. The recreation of a classic role is something I am extremely invested in, always trying to adapt and tell a relatable story for the audience, and one day I hope to originate a role in a musical, play, opera, or film. Any medium that gives actors the freedom to shape and mold a character like that sounds like a dream role to me, and I would even love to write my own musicals and movies in order to ensure true artistic freedom.

SJF: Dream roles?

MC:  I have many! Aldolpho from The Drowsy Chaperone, Molina in Kiss of The Spiderwoman, Dr. Frank-N-Furter from Rocky Horror Picture Show, and an all time favorite from the first musical I ever saw on Broadway one day playing Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast.

SJF It’s been a pleasure Max. Anything else you’d like to share?

MC: On a personal note, I’d would like to thank you, Susan for all of your support, love, and laughter working together over the past 5 years and would like to leave your readers with this thought; If you love something, Do Not let it go! Hold onto whatever drives your passion, and love what you do. Theater, like the world can seem very small at times, but never limit yourself within your chosen field and always remember it is much more fulfilling to focus on the journey than the finish line.

SJF: Best wishes on your journey to the BIG APPLE!

 

Special thanks to Emmy Farese for photoshoot assistance!

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A Quick Visit to the San Diego Zoo

It’s great to enjoy an annual pass at the San Diego Zoo! It’s a quick getaway…since we live in San Diego!

Plus, there’s abundant sunshine, a fun way to walk my steps for fitness, and of course, getting to visit the wonderful animals and appreciate nature at the same time!

This past week, I visited the Hummingbird Aviary House, as well as the Gorilla, Orangutan and Reptile Exhibits (and loved photographing the beautiful hibiscus flowers)!

Hope you all enjoy these snapshots! Go ahead…click on each photo to see it enlarged!

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SJF Communications

The Hummingbirds & Other Birds

 

The Reptiles

The Gorillas

The Orangutans

The Hibiscus Flowers

Testimonial for SJF Communications via Bryan Smith, Tuba; Director of Educational and Outreach Programs, Westwind Brass

“Susan Farese, SJF Communications helped Westwind Brass double the size of our audiences at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.  She also helped us to double the number of participants at our 2017 Summer Brass Workshop at San Diego State’s School of Music and Dance.  She is savvy with all forms of media; print, TV, and radio.  She is also very proactive on social media.  She is willing to think, and work, outside of the box, and isn’t afraid to say what she is thinking.  I highly recommend SJF Communications to all arts organizations in the San Diego area.”

-Bryan Smith, Tuba; Director of Educational and Outreach Programs
Testimonial for SJF Communications via Bryan Smith, Tuba; Director of Educational and Outreach Programs, Westwind Brass 

Testimonial for SJF Communications via Jeeyoon Kim, Classical Pianist

“I had such a wonderful experience working with Susan J. Farese, SJF communications. We not only had a successful journey of my CD Release Celebration Concert “10 More Minutes” as a result, but also we had pure fun in the process. She has a great work ethic and is reliable, also understands how to approach any project with compassion, empathy, kindness and passion. I can’t think of any other quality that I could ask for PR agent to have. Thank you Susan!”

– Jeeyoon Kim

Here is some info about Jeeyoon Kim:

http://www.jeeyoonkim.com/

http://www.10moreminutesconcert.com/

Testimonial for SJF Communications via Classical Pianist, Jeeyoon Kim

‘The Beautiful Machine’ – A Sci-Fi, Pop/Rock Musical at 2017 San Diego Fringe Festival

 

San Diegans… do you have about an hour??

 

The Beautiful Machine

Catch the last two performances (June 30th at 9 p.m. and July 1st at 4 p.m.)

of  Pop Theater’s  first act of

‘The Beautiful Machine’ – 

A Sci-Fi, Pop/Rock Musical

at the 5th Annual San Diego International Fringe Festival

 Centro Cultural de la Raza, Balboa Park, San Diego

The Beautiful Machine is set in a dystopian, futuristic enclosed city. The government has turned to inhumane population control techniques, exterminating those who do not qualify as “complete” or “viable” specimens for procreation. Ben Phoenix, a newly promoted engineer has recently been exiled to the dark fringes of society. Alone and distraught, he has been left with nothing, and yet he is the most talked about person in the city. Why is his name on so many tongues? Why is everyone fighting to recruit him? Is he the one with the key to bringing down the regime? 

THE FIRST THREE PERFORMANCES WERE FILLED TO CAPACITY!

ONLY 2 MORE CHANCES TO SEE THIS ORIGINAL PRODUCTION!

The Beautiful Machine is produced, co-written and composed by Mike Neumann (Pop Theater), co-written by Josh Switzer and Directed by Domonique Evans, a graduate student in the SDSU MFA Musical Theatre program, one of only two such programs in the United States. Neumann, a math teacher at San Ysidro High School, calls The Beautiful Machine  “Sci-Fi and Pop Music – a recipe for fun!” and his inspiration was “wanting to make musical theater “non-believers” into fans of the genre, by connecting theater to a musical style that is easily accessible by everyone”.  Pop Theater is an up-and-coming theater group debuting its first production in the San Diego International Fringe Festival! Their vision is to expand the genre of the Sci-Fi musical and bring more fans to musical theater.

‘The Beautiful Machine’ Production/Creative Team Left to Right:

 Mike Neumann – Lyrics/Music; Josh Switzer – Story;

Domonique Evans – Director;  Jeannee Hogan – Manager

The inspiration for Director Domonique Evans “came from my previous directors in both high school and the collegiate level. Without them I wouldn’t be the man or performer I am today. I would love to impact, inspire, and guide our next generation as I was.” Domonique’s view on The Beautiful Machine is “A story about evolution and a government that is afraid of any kind of change”. 

The Beautiful Machine Cast includes: Chris Chiles as Ben Phoenix, Brent Roberts as Roman Valice, Kimberly Moller as Clarity Providence, Lindsey Denham as Xandelle Jackson,  Jillian Jackson as Anna Phoenix and Kitty Baton Rouge, Leo Chang as Jimmy Philadelphia,  Emmy Farese as Charlotte (and Understudy Clarity), Terence J. Burke as President, Riece Johnson as Dibbs, Alexandra Lee as Sydney Bismarck (Understudy Xandelle), and Thomas Reasoner as Conway (Understudy Ben).

The Beautiful Machine wishes to ‘give back’! Fractured Atlas Crowdfunding Page, a portion of ticket sales will go to Limbs for Life Foundation.

‘The Beautiful Machine’ extends thanks to their generous DONORS – without whom this would not be possible : Vicky & Bill McGinnis, Gina & Mike Farhar, Michael & Ruth Neumann, Jennifer Feddish, Kendra Tracy, Simon Schwartz, Carlos “Senpai” Luna, Ashley McCann, Joyce Inzunza, Ann & Rafael Montiel, Joey Thompson, Marie Thompson, Randa O’Connor, Miriam Haughey, Mike Byrne, Amy Walsh, Nina Stoddard, Elaina Scott, Richard Ho, Jennifer Lane, James Hall, Lucas Williams, and Thomas Nielsen.

Special thanks from ‘The Beautiful Machine’ to: Imran Shiekh – ‘The Beautiful Machine’ heart logo design; Shannon van der Reck- Prop Design; San Diego Steampunks – Promo photos; Jenny Lane and New Works Studio– Invaluable help and advice; Joe DeMers – Pianist; Susanna Vaughn- Assistant Choreographer; SJF Communications– Promotion & Media; Chloe Clark- Light Board Operator; Michael Short Photography-Videography; Chris Armstrong-transporting & moving props; and Hans Neumann- For believing in his Dad.

Here’s a video from ‘The Beautiful Machine’ appearance on ‘Tonight in San Diego‘:

TICKET INFORMATION: General Admission tickets are $10 (Plus $5 Fringe Tag): https://sdfringe.ticketleap.com/beautiful-machine/dates 

SCHEDULE of REMAINING PERFORMANCES:

Friday, June 30 – 9:00 pm; & Saturday, July 1 – 4:00 pm 

Look for ‘The Beautiful Machine’ Album release in July on Spotify!

LOCATION: Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd., (Balboa Park) San Diego, CA 92101

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact poptheater@gmail.com or call 619-672-4644.

The Beautiful Machine Website; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebeautifulmachine/

For press info, interviews, photos or press comps, please contact:

SJF Communications: 408-398-5940;  sjfcommunications@gmail.com

 

A Photographic Evening at Balboa Park, San Diego

Even buildings smiled for the camera!

I decided to stroll around Balboa Park last evening with my camera in hand…and what a treat it was! Take a gander at some of the cool flowers, architecture, and more!

You can click on each photo for more detail!

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Check out these gorgeous flowers! Go ahead…click away to see the full images! Spectacular colors!

…Plus…some snapshots of this cute bunny posing and feasting!

Finally, couldn’t resist taking photos of this beautiful fountain!

Fountain at Balboa Park, Photos by SJF Communications
Fountain at Balboa Park, Photos by SJF Communications
Fountain at Balboa Park, Photos by SJF Communications

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Marveling at the San Diego Zoo!

I spent about 2 hours at the San Diego Zoo the other day. Had some time and brought my camera. Join me on this journey to only a few areas (the Hummingbird House, plus Gorillas and Orangutans and a special surprise at the end of my journey). My short visit was jam packed with memorable bursts of images!

Feel free to click on each photo to see more detail.

First, I visited the Hummingbird House or Aviary, which is a great little secret but tucked away and a bit challenging to find! As you enter the Zoo, turn left towards the Discovery Area towards the Sky Ride. Best to ask a guide..It’s to the right after the Reptile House,  look for the red railing…More about the Kenton C. Lint Hummingbird Aviary

I snapped away at some very colorful birds as well as hummingbirds which enjoy the lush surroundings with flowers, nectar and feeders.

Hummingbirds

I love hummingbird watching!

One of these days, I’d like to go on a trip to explore the different types!

Gorillas

It was such a special treat to see the baby with Mom!

Orangutans

I also visited the Orangutan habitat. More joy with another young one to watch with Mom and Dad!

Finally, my big surprise was to spot a peacock near the squawking in the flamingo area, alone in a corner. I waited until he faced front. What  beautiful plume feathers! Take a look!

Thanks for taking the time to journey with me! Feel free to subscribe, like, comment and share!

https://www.sjfcommunications.com

 

Holy Bat Ray! A Memorable Day at Torrey Pines State Beach

You never know what interesting treasures you will find at Torrey Pines State Beach…

We live locally and it’s one of my absolute favorite places to visit for a walk or casual stroll along the shore, or an energetic hike from up above at Torrey Pines State Reserve. Whether I am with friends, family or am solo, I love the nature, the sights and sounds of the waves crashing, the gorgeous rock formations, glimpses of sea life and birds such as osprey and peregrine falcons and cormorants. photo opportunities, etc.

But today it was extremely special!

I was walking towards a crowd of people watching a guy fishing.

Photo by SJF Communications

 

Pretty routine, right?

NOPE, not today.

This guy (David Fillmore) had a BIG something or other on his fishing line. We asked him how long he had been holding whatever the ‘catch’ was…he said about a half hour…then he told us it was probably a bat ray.

Photo of David Fillmore by SJF Communications

 

Photo of David Fillmore by SJF Communications

Check out the strength of that tug!

So we waited and waited until all of a sudden, we saw the bat ray in view. Soon it was on the  beach for all to see.

CHECK IT OUT and watch until the end!

Afterwards we cheered!

 

Success!

Photo of David Fillmore by SJF Communications

 

Photo of David Fillmore by SJF Communications

By the way, a shout out to David Fillmore’s  Everyday California  and Shred Industries

Westwind Brass Announces Summer Brass Workshop

At SDSU School of Music & Dance

July 10-14, 2017, 1 pm – 4 pm

Free Concert July 15 at 1 p.m.

Westwind Brass Ensemble. Left to right top: Elizabeth Howard, Karl Soukup, Barry Toombs, Dr. Eric Starr; Bottom, left to right: John Wilds, Bryan Smith

The Westwind Brass, San Diego’s premier professional brass ensemble, and Ensemble-in-Residence at the San Diego State University (SDSU) School of Music and Dance, announces their exciting interactive ‘Summer Brass Workshop’ at SDSU, July 10-14, 2017, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. followed by a free afternoon concert with participant ensembles, Saturday, July 15 at 1 p.m.

The Westwind Brass Ensemble, includes Elizabeth Howard, John Wilds and Karl Soukup (trumpets), Barry Toombs (horn), Eric Starr (trombone) and Bryan Smith (tuba).

The Westwind Brass Ensemble Left to right: Dr. Eric Starr, Bryan Smith, Elizabeth Howard, Barry Toombs, John Wilds, & Karl Soukup

“After more than 30 years, Westwind Brass Ensemble remains committed to serving the diverse communities that make up this great city of San Diego.  We pledge to serve not only the San Diego that we know, but also the San Diego of the future.”

– Westwind Brass Executive Director: Barry Toombs (French Horn)

 

“This workshop is open to brass instrument players of all ages and ability levels. Participants will have the opportunity to play a lot, and explore a wide range of ensemble types and musical styles, such as brass quintets, trios, and solos, in both the classical and jazz styles. Each day will close with a large brass ensemble.  An emphasis will be places on fun and harmony!”

– Westwind Brass Director of Educational and Outreach Programs: Bryan Smith

 

Activities will include: Master Classes, Sectional Coaching, Ensemble Playing, Individual and Group Performances. Private lessons will be made available during the mornings for an additional fee.

In addition to the more traditional brass instrument training and ensemble experiences, this workshop will feature these mini-seminars:

“How to Start Improvising”

“Who Has the Time? The Road to an Efficient, Sustainable Practice Routine”

“How to Learn and Perform a Solo”

“Using Technology to Make Your Music, and Get It Heard”

Plus: “A Tour of the SDSU School of Music and Dance Facilities”.

 

Price Information for Summer Workshop:  Students/Military: $150.00; Adults: $175.00.

Register Online at www.westwindbrass.org or call 619-665-9125

(Credit Card or PayPal accepted).

 

Registration Form:

http://westwindbrass.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/wb-registration-form2017.pdf

More info: http://westwindbrass.org/education-school-programs/summer-brass-workshop/

 

Location:

San Diego State University School of Music and Dance,

5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA 92182

http://music.sdsu.edu/index.php/about/map

 

For More Information: Contact Westwind Brass

Phone: 619-665-9125 or email: info@westwindbrass.org. Or visit: Westwind Brass

 

For Media Inquiries: SJF Communications; 408-398-5940 sjfcommunications@gmail.com.

Like Westwind Brass on Facebook

Recent Review of Westwind Brass by Ken Herman, San Diego Story

The Westwind Brass exists to broaden and enrich the musical legacy of local, national and international audiences through performance and educational services featuring brass instruments and music. Westwind Brass musicians perform in various configurations of featuring the unique timbre of brass instruments and performing the brass repertoire at a high artistic level. Westwind Brass is a 501(c) (3) Public Benefit Corporation. For more information, visit Guidestar.org.

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A Visit to Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala’

 

Some photos from my June 9, 2017 visit to Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala’

Photo credit: SJF Communications

Feel free to click on each photo (arrow key advances), like, comment, & share!

 

Susan J. Farese, Honored to be a Mentor in the SDSU Aztec Mentor Program

Sharing Guidance and Wisdom as a Mentor

by

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN,  SJF Communications

I am pleased to be a Mentor for my 2nd year in  San Diego State University‘s ‘Aztec Mentor Program‘ (AMP). This year I have two Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA) Communications students for both semesters. Last year I mentored one Senior (Communications) and one Junior (Public Health) student during the Fall, 2016 semester and three graduating senior mentees (Communications, Health Communications and Finance/Entrepreneurship) for the Spring, 2017  semester.  The Communications student was my mentee for the entire year.

Here are two links from recent feature articles by Erik Good, about my experiences in the SDSU Aztec Mentor Program:   http://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news_story.aspx?sid=76775 and https://amp.sdsu.edu/pages/2962?src=tab

I believe in mentoring as well as being mentored!

Time has certainly flown since I was introduced to my own first ‘mentor’. I distinctly remember the time (after working about a year or so) as a newly graduated Ensign in the Navy Nurse Corps in 1978 in San Diego. Needless to say…I was stressed out with what we now call ‘burnout’ (which was not even a term used then) in my very first job after graduating college! As a staff/charge nurse on the open bay male general medicine floor, I endured grueling rotating shifts and dealt with serious illnesses and on several occasions deaths of active duty, dependent and/or retired males at my young age. I suppose I had a certain look of ‘being overwhelmed’ one day. Upon rounds to the unit, my supervisor said to me “By the end of the day, I want to know how much leave (vacation) you’re taking and where you want to work when you return”. I stared at her in disbelief for a few seconds, thought about it, planned that leave and afterwards transferred to Cardiothoracic Surgery Step Down unit. That job switch and my Supervisor’s insight, caring and seriously ‘looking out for me’ changed my professional life. I was then able to navigate my career by being in control. Plus, I gained respect for having a Mentor and have learned immensely from many of them over the years!

Flash forward to 38 years later! That Mentor ultimately inspired me to take control of my professional career as a nurse, actor, author, writer, consultant & entrepreneur. I have also had several Mentors in my life since then!

My diversified career has been quite interesting and evolving over the past ‘almost’ 40 years. Besides clinical, management/administrative, education/staff development roles in Nursing during time as a Military Nurse (U.S. Navy – 3 years and Army Nurse Corps-9 years, attaining the rank of Major), I also worked in medical research. My masters degree is in adult primary health which prepared me as a Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist. As an entrepreneur I have provided public speaking, continuing education, legal nurse consulting, public relations, marketing, acting and coaching.

During Fall, 2016, as a parent of an SDSU Freshman, I received an email from the Office of New Student and Parent Programs, Career Services and the Office of Alumni Engagement Career Services, inquiring if I would be interested in being a Mentor in the AMP. I quickly made the decision to embark on this journey (completed my AMP profile which asked for education, career positions and so on) and  have enjoyed my time in this mutually fulfilling program.  Since then I was interviewed by Diane Marin (SDSU Alumni and Career Development and Administrator of AMP),  and Eric Good, (Public Affairs Communication Specialist, SDSU) with article links above.  I have been fortunate to be connected to our daughter’s campus in such a unique way, plus was able to give back – and hopefully enrich and guide the students towards success in their futures, as students and as they enter into the working world.

How does it all work?

First of all, each student that selects me as their Mentor presents different personalities, majors, goals and challenges. I am a proponent of meeting in person on campus for our sessions, usually an hour long, several times a month.  We review resumes and Linked In profiles. We discuss the importance of networking in their prospective fields. I prep them on the common sense and procedure of attending career fairs. We research possible graduate degree programs. We explore employment options with job searches and discuss negotiating salaries, raises etc. much more during the semester(s). I also provide emotional support and guidance for them throughout the semester and especially during their final “stressful” Spring semester nearing  graduation (and they prevail)!

It is thoroughly enriching for me as well. My experience in Nursing, PR/Marketing/ Communications and the Arts enabled me to feel confident as a role model for them and their enthusiasm, diligence and commitment persisted!

I wish them all well!

Here are some more articles about the Aztec Mentorship Program:

http://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news_story.aspx?sid=76246

https://go.sdsu.edu/student_affairs/mentoring.aspx

http://www.sdsualumni.org/s/997/rd16/interior.aspx?sid=997&gid=1&pgid=3077

A photo with my two Mentees from this past Fall, 2017 Semester

Left to right:
From Fall Semester, 2017: Alexa (Mentee), Susan (Mentor), and Delaney (Mentee)

 

Some photos and testimonials from last year’s Mentees:

 

Left to Right: Susan with Mentee (now a graduate) from Spring, 2017: Kaitlin; Major: Health Communication. Photo credit: Erik Good

“Getting involved my last semester at SDSU was great because my mentor, Susan, prepared me to stay on top of job searches, reviewed my resume, and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and attend events that Career Services had put together,”  – Kaitlin Woods

Testimonial for SJF Communications via San Diego State University (SDSU) Health Communications Student, Kaitlin Woods

Left to right: Susan with with Mentee (now 2017 SDSU graduate and now pursuing graduate degree) Alexandra; Major: Communications. Photo credit: Erik Good

“Susan was my mentor throughout my Fall 2016 semester at San Diego State University. Having Susan mentor me was by far one of the best decisions I’ve made. She has propelled me to reach new levels of my potential and widen my understanding about the communications field. Susan is a wonderful asset to any student, individual or agency and I could not recommend her wisdom enough. I am blessed with the opportunity to know her and have her as my mentor”.- Alexandra Talaro

Testimonial for SJF Communications via San Diego State University (SDSU) Communications Student Alexandra Talaro

 

Left to right: with Spring, 2017 Mentee (now 2017 SDSU graduate) James; Major: Finance with Minor: Entrepreneurship with Susan. Courtesy Photo.

“The Aztec Mentorship Program has been an enlightening process for me. Not only has it allowed me to reach out to various alumni in different industries I am interested in, but has created opportunity to foster an invaluable mentorship.

Overall, my best experience was with Susan Farese, a local entrepreneur with many experiences, particularly in the entertainment industry. I learned a few lessons after being matched as a mentee with Susan but lessons are still being learned as we still stay in touch. Resume development, entrepreneurship tips, and networking opportunities have been the focus of the mentorship. Susan helped me develop a technique of developing the perfect resume based upon which jobs I am searching for rather than sending out a general resume out to all jobs. As an aspiring entrepreneur, I learned from Susan’s experiences and mistakes in running her own PR firm. She spoke to me about my different entrepreneurial opportunities and gave insight to possible issues I may run into. Even after the program ended, Susan recently helped me get my first gig doing lighting and sound production for a local play!

Honestly the best part about my experience was the specific attention given to me about how I can best further myself. After a few sessions, Susan understood what I really needed to learn to get the best out of the program and that only happens when mentors are dedicated to extending real life knowledge and experience to mentees.” – James Ranon

Testimonial for SJF Communications via San Diego State University (SDSU) Finance/Entrepreneurship Student

Are you a Mentor?

Do you have a story about your favorite mentor?

Do you need a Mentor?

 

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An afternoon at Mission San Juan Capistrano

Have you visited Mission San Juan Capistrano?

Here are some photos from a recent afternoon visit!

Such gorgeous flowers and stunning serene surroundings…even a hummingbird!

Simply click on a photo and enjoy one, some or all!

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Thanks for visiting SJF Communications

Discovering Art in Nature at Torrey Pines State Beach

 

Torrey Pines State Beach (below Torrey Pines State Reserve), is one of my favorite “go to”places in San Diego.

Why? Because it is always different, each time I visit. I always seem to “see” art in nature…

The sandstone bluff rock formations and cliffs are majestic and magnificent. The amazing ocean with constantly changing tides speaks for itself. Nature abounds with animals and birds. I just marvel at the beauty. I also try bring my camera and snap away at what I see before me. Plus the extra added value of exercise as I stroll along the beach.

Last week, I spotted a few treasures which I captured photographically. I saw the blue Velella Vellela jellyfish (also called ‘by the wind sailors’ due to their resembling a sailboat), the pelicans continuously flew by back and forth in formation (although there are always a few stragglers ‘doing their own thing’), an egret graced the sand at the shoreline and then flew away (which I was fortunate to take a few photos of). Also of note, a peregrine falcon which was perched high above (several photographers had their long lenses prepped and were telling me how the falcon “Dad’ was so greedy and wouldn’t share food with his partner for her and the babies). I certainly hope this changes and those ‘babies’ thrive soon and the female gets more nourishment!

An amazing find of the day, I almost stepped upon. It was my first encounter with a juvenile eared grebe. It was sitting alone on the beach near the shoreline. Its striking orange eye captivated me. It was just sitting there…It looked healthy yet something didn’t seem “right” since it was ‘picking’ at it’s feathers every few seconds. Before I left, I called the ranger station and reported it. They arrived and said they would not be able to do anything themselves, but would call the “bird people”, I hope they did…

Do you see art in nature? Do you enjoy breathing in the ocean air? Do you reflect on how fortunate we are to be able to see so many wonderful species and celebrate gifts of the earth? I highly encourage you to if you can.

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Testimonial for SJF Communications via Nancy Locke Capers, CEO, Rag Lady Productions, Producer/Director, “The Geeze & Me”

 

“Susan J. Farese, of SJF Communications,  was recently the publicist/marketing director, for our  musical,  The Geeze & Me, which had a world premiere in San Diego, March 31 – April 29, 2017.  Beginning September, 2016, Susan was responsible for planning, executing and ensuring that all communications initiatives were implemented.  Her efforts included writing/editing and distributing press releases, posting show information for online calendars, creating event and group Facebook pages, writing blog interview posts, writing/sending email marketing materials, and maintaining social media channels and networks daily attention as well as coordinating theatre reviewers/critics attendance, setting up print, media, and/or in-person interviews, including television/radio appearances, promotion videos, and other PR content.

These tasks included responsibility for identifying and creating content, consulting on appropriate messaging when necessary, increasing the size of our social media networks, and working with authors/director/producers to help spread the word about us in media venues.

Susan focused her efforts on Twitter, Facebook, E-mail, Linked In, Mail Chimp Campaigns, Instagram as well as word of mouth; she knew precisely how these platforms differed and what approaches worked best for a given site. She has a firm grasp of what types of materials are appropriate for our audience.  Susan has proven to be self-directed, reliable, and responsible as well as creative and unfailingly knowledgeable! She demonstrates excellent judgment in knowing when to consult and when to be self-directed.  Her enthusiasm for our production appeared to never wane. Always available to consult, she was early for production meetings and ably directed her knowledge in a way that was always either appropriate or fantastic. She’s been a tremendous asset to Rag Lady Productions.  Highly recommend her”.

-Nancy Locke Capers, CEO, Rag Lady Productions

Testimonial for SJF Communications via Nancy Locke Capers, CEO, Rag Lady Productions, Producer/Director, “The Geeze & Me”

 

 

 

Captured Images: Earth Day 2017 at Balboa Park, San Diego

 

Celebrating the Earth and the Day…One Flower or Image at a Time!

It was a beautiful San Diego day last Sunday, April 23, 2017. I was meeting friends from the East Coast at the San Diego Zoo. Little did I know that Balboa Park was celebrating Earth Day, and it was extremely crowded! Parking took forever! But lo and behold, I finally was able to park and decided to capture some images of the afternoon at Balboa Park en route to meeting my friends.

Most of the images are flowers. That’s celebrating the Earth, right???

Feel free to enjoy these images by clicking on each one.

Have fun and kindly “Like, Comment, Share” away!

 

All photo credit: SJF Communications