L'Italo-Americano

Plan an unforgettable vacation with Expert Travel Associates A touch of Italian magic at the 29th Children's Festival of the Arts "Travel is like music. If there is no melody, it's not good." Travel expert Patrizia Cavanaugh applies her authentic motto in her work at Expert Travel Associates. Born and raised in Rome, Patrizia has always had a pas- sion for travel. After working in the travel industry in Italy, she came to the US in 1981. Patrizia knew she could make a positive impact on the way people travel, and she hoped to expand and pursue her career in America. Patrizia opened Expert Travel Associates in 2003, and she has been dedicated to providing excellent corporate and leisure travel management services ever since. Patrizia has two travel partners from India who have been working with her for over twenty years, as well as six employees and ten outside travel consultants. Expert Travel Associates are members of IATA (International Airlines Travel Agencies), CLIA (Cruise Line International Association), and the Better Business Bureau. Patrizia explains, "People come to us because we are professional, reliable, and we have competi- tive prices. We stand behind our clients 24/7, whether they are a business, group, or an individ- ual." "When my clients travel, it's like me travelling, so it has to be perfect." Patrizia describes her personal approach. "My clients are a little spoiled. They know they get extra service and I don't charge them for it," she jokes. Clients range from corporate L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014 www.italoamericano.com 4 accounts to educational groups to families. Whatever your trav- el needs may be, Patrizia and her enthusiastic team have the experience and skills to guide you. Expert Travel Associates has an impressive track record of providing high quality, profes- sional travel assistance, includ- ing airline, car reservations, hotel and private accommoda- tions, cruise reservations, tour packages, travel deals, travel insurance. The two main principles of Expert Travel Associates are professionalism and honesty. Patrizia adds, "I don't sell what I don't believe, and I always sell what is good for my client. I emphasize quality, and people appreciate that." In an automated world where you aren't always sure what's in store, Expert Travel Associates can assure that your trip will be amazing and hassle-free. Travel is not always easy, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Patrizia emphasizes, "We're normal people, and we are here for you. Whether you need a flight change, to reschedule, and even if you're stuck at the airport at 3AM. You can depend on us to be there for you." So, what are you waiting for? "I tell my clients that my door is always open. Anyone can walk in without an appointment. Travel is what we do best, and I make it a priority to be available for my clients," says Patrizia. To plan a "buon viaggio", come in Monday through Friday 9A.M. to 5:30P.M. at 16250 Ventura Blvd., Suite # 205 Encino, CA 91436 or give them a call at 1 (877) 817-1714. All travellers are welcome. Patrizia and the Expert Travel Associates are here to make your vacation as smooth and melodic as possible. Do you think Los Angeles is no city for children? That's not true! Especially on the second Sunday of August, when the annual free Children's Festival of The Arts is usually presented at the Paramount Pictures. Last Sunday afternoon, in fact, the famed studios located in Hollywood opened their door to welcome fun-loving LA fami- lies. Organized by the Hollywood Arts Council with the generous support of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and many other spon- sors, the 29th edition of the Festival was a celebration of arts and culture, featuring eight live music, dance, and entertainment performances, readings, TV characters' appearances, and ten art workshops – such as face painting, puppet making, musi- cal instruments handcrafting, and much more - led by profes- sional artists. The event was attended by a great number of film and televi- sion celebrities, including chil- dren's favorite Bugs Bunny, JANe HusoN sIlVIA sIMoNettI Italian American young Hollywood stars like Justin Tinucci and Brielle Barbusca (Modern Family), and The Amazing Dave, an Italian American magician. He started his career twenty years ago in High School and soon became a full time professional, now based in Los Angeles. "I've always had a passion for enter- taining people and for comedy in particular. Nothing is better than hearing an audience's laughter. My family magic and juggling show is packed full of laughs and is a ton of fun to per- form," he says. And regarding his Italian origin, he adds: "I am half Italian. My Italian grand- parents were born in Italy and immigrated to New Jersey, where I grew up. I really loved spending time with the Italian side of the family and eating my grandmother's cooking!" His participation to the Children's Festival of the Arts was a huge success, adding a touch of magic to a very pleas- ant afternoon. "This wonderful non-com- mercial event has become a family tradition," said HAC executive director Shauna McClure. "People whose par- ents brought them to the festival in the past are now bringing their own kids." Founded in 1978, the Hollywood Arts Council is a non-profit organization that works for the benefit of the community through the arts. In particular, it is committed to promoting the artistic develop- ment of children, aimed at improving their quality of life. One of the programs implement- ed by the Council is Project S.O.A.R. (Students Overcoming All Risks), which brings free performing and visual arts instruction and performances to thousands of children and their families. Expert Travel destinations: Rome, Italy The Amazing Dave - magician Dave DeVito - Photo courtesy of Dave DeVito

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