Book Nook - Hangry the Bear

In Hangry the Bear, life is sweet in the Kingdom of Honey, and so is the food! But Prince Hangry has an appetite that honey alone can’t satisfy. And the hungrier Hangry gets, the grumpier he becomes! Desperate to fix his bad temper, Hangry embarks on a global culinary adventure, trying fantastic new foods from Italy to Acapulco in search of the meal that will fill him up for good. But no dish can delay Hangry’s hunger for long, and he worries that the minute he gets home, his grumpy mood will return. Soon, though, Hangry’s adventures lead him to an important discovery: that food is about more than just filling your stomach—it’s about following your dreams!

Wolfgang Yuck (AKA Steve Rogge) is a restaurant owner with a diverse background in both economics and culinary arts. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in economics, he worked as a financial modeling analyst at Standard & Poor’s. In 2010, driven by a passion for food, Steve began attending culinary school while still juggling his finance career and working in fine dining. In 2012, after graduating from culinary school, he, like Hangry, took a significant leap by opening his first restaurant alongside his lifelong friends, Bill and Kevin. Since then, Steve has opened and operated successful restaurants all over the Richmond metro area and beyond. Also like Hangry, Steve attributes his success to the support of his amazing parents. Outside of his restaurants, you can find Steve on the golf course, pickleball court, or watching MasterChef Junior with his beautiful wife and their three amazing children.

Enriching Education - The Airport Adventure

The Airport Adventure, a Philadelphia-based, minority-owned social wellness brand, uses aviation industry principles, procedures, and philosophy to help children, families, and communities navigate social and emotional challenges. Through books, theatrical productions, workshops, and speaking engagements, founder Cleous “GloWry” Young provides practical, real-world strategies for resilience, connection, and trauma recovery — turning complex emotional challenges into actionable frameworks, much like mapping a flight plan.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

- Why is it important for kids of all ages to be able to work on skills like resilience and connection?
It is important for kids of all ages to be able to work on skills like resilience and connection for the effectiveness and sufficiency of their future. Otherwise, they become ineffective and insufficient adults. Meaning, their adult life challenges will plague them rather than enhance them. Areas of their adult life where they should be prospering or giving to others, those areas will become increasingly insufficient, which is like going to the bank to withdraw money but did not deposit any money inside the account. The teller or ATM will share that you have insufficient funds. Thus, this is parallel to practicing skills such as resilience and connection. If you don’t deposit (practice) it in your childhood account, then you can’t withdraw it in your adulthood circumstances of difficulties and challenges that will arrive. Period!

- How can aviation principles help with these skills?
Aviation principles work best with these types of skills as a parallel life approach. The main philosophical idea of aviation is to bring people and things to new destinations. Thus, adulthood is a new destination from childhood. Hence, certain principles are utilized daily in the aviation industry that safely bring over 4.3 billion passengers and other items to their destination annually. The number one prioritized principle in aviation is safety. Now, parallel this to a child’s life. If he or she is not safe, then just like the airplane that takes off and is not safe, there will be catastrophe in the end, and the same for the adult’s life of a child that grew up unsafe. There are no skills that can be enhanced in a child’s life if the child is not safe, and this is the main reason to parallel one’s life with aviation principles. These are successful principles that are tested, tried, and proven for decades within the aviation industry, and they can help all children, not some, all children get to their adulthood destination safely, just as it did for me.

- Why is it important for families and classrooms to have a variety of mental health tools for children?
The classroom is not just about learning facts and figures. It is also an evidence-based environment that can be used to help structure the lives of students to be best prepared for their adult life, lifestyle, and livelihood. Without the mental health tools to begin to hash things out at a young age in this type of environment, then we are creating ANOTHER crisis in future generations to come. I used the word ‘another’ to emphasize that many of our adults today are suffering immensely because they didn’t have the mental health tools as children when they were growing up, which has now been proven by the latest breakthrough studies in ACEs; adverse childhood experiences. We can either uphold the past mishaps, or we address these mental health issues while the students are learning how to obtain the adult skills they will need.

Music Minute - Taylor Jo: 4394JO

 “4394JO” YouTube and Spotify

Website I Facebook I Instagram I TikTok

Taylor Jo, the genre-bending country artist from Neffs, Ohio, officially announces the release of her debut EP, "4394JO," out now. A raw fusion of Americana, outlaw, folk, and bluegrass, the project is anchored by the lead single "What Do You Want From Me," a defiant confrontation of deceit and romantic games. Blending her identity as a frontline nurse by day and a neurodivergent voice in country by night, Taylor Jo crafts a sound that is as relatable as it is gritty, capturing the true spirit of small-town Ohio.

The title "4394JO" is a deeply personal nod to her roots, combining the zip code of her hometown, Neffs (43940), with her middle name. The album serves as a sonic map of her life, with artwork featuring the street she grew up on, the bar where she played her first gig, and even the location of a past DUI. "Nothing on this album was invented," Taylor Jo shares. "It is all real life, even the parts I didn’t think I wanted anyone to know". From the opening track "Livin’ Out Of A Change Jar"—designed to introduce listeners to her personal history—to songs written on her bedroom floor, the record is an unfiltered look at poverty, grief, and healing.

For Taylor Jo, music has always been a survival mechanism. "I make music for the version of me who didn’t think she’d survive," she says, noting that these songs were her therapy long before she spoke her truths out loud. The project also serves as a powerful platform for mental health and neurodivergent advocacy, reflecting her lived experience with Autism and ADHD. This authenticity has fostered a thriving online community of over 40,000 TikTok followers who tune in to witness her use "music as medicine". Whether she is writing about the frustration of a job she hated in "Sick of This Shift" or paying tribute to her late best friend in "Ally’s Song," her goal remains to help others feel less alone.

The recording process at Tony’s Treasures studio in Cadiz, Ohio, saw this intimate voice memos transformed into high-quality productions under the guidance of producers Mark Puskarich and Cody Romshak. Taylor Jo is backed Roger Hoard on guitar, Jan Roll on drums, bassist John "Buck" Allemond, and Jonathan H. Warren on fiddle and Anna Blanton on fiddle and mandolin, who together bring over 150 years of collective performing experience to her live shows. Having already shared stages with country stalwarts like Joe Nichols and Whey Jennings, Taylor Jo is ready to bring her "messy truth" to audiences across the region.

Fans can experience the raw energy of Taylor Jo and The Copper Creek Band live during their upcoming 2026 tour dates:

• February 14, 2026: Elm Grove Eagles Steak Fry – Elm Grove, WV (8:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
• June 13, 2026: Elm Grove Eagles – Elm Grove, WV (8:00 PM – 11:00 PM)

"4394JO" and the single "What Do You Want From Me" will be available on all major streaming platforms on April 26, 2025. For Taylor Jo, the release is the culmination of a lifetime of overcoming obstacles. "I did it poor, I did it grieving, I did it heartbroken, I did it tired," she reflects. "Now I want to encourage others to keep going".

Amazing Art - Peace Boxes

 With labels that read "Fragile: Contains Peace, Love or Hope," visual artist Franck de Las Mercedes began sending abstractly painted and seemingly empty boxes to anyone, anywhere in the world — completely free of charge. What started as a simple experiment in 2006 quickly became a global movement.

For over a decade, these hand-painted "Peace Boxes" traveled to more than 60 countries, reaching classrooms from PreK to college, appearing in galleries, museums, and libraries, and even lighting up Times Square's iconic LED screens. Each box did not contain a physical object, but it did contain something much more urgent: a symbolic invitation to reflect on peace, courage, and our individual ability to influence change.

  

Franck painted more than 18,000 boxes without ever charging for the work or shipping. The project was sustained by the artist's own resources, the generosity of followers, and a sponsorship of Pébéo's painting. Each box became a unique abstract painting and a platform for dialogue, merging contemporary art with social engagement.

 

Educators, community centers, and art therapy counselors in the United States and several countries adopted the Peace Boxes as an educational tool. In 2014, the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly recognized the bill with a joint legislative resolution for its cultural and humanitarian impact.

 

"We always expect something of value to come inside a box, but what if the box was empty and still contained something symbolic with a positive, challenging or inspiring message? I wanted to provoke reflection and create dialogue, so I started sending painted boxes to anyone who requested them — for free. Peace should be priceless. And art can be inclusive and accessible." — F. de las Mercedes

After ten extraordinary years, the project concluded in May 2016 — but its message continues to expand, inspiring new generations to create, question, and imagine peace as a shared responsibility.

 

Join the celebration by bringing the project to your classroom or community:

Download the Priority Boxes Project Lesson Plan, which includes free printable label templates, and create your own Peace Boxes with students, friends, or community groups.

Money Matters - RTO Costs

 A new analysis from MyPerfectResume®, a premium resume-building service, reveals that American workers lose an average of 223 hours each year to their commute, equivalent to nearly six unpaid 40-hour workweeks. When the value of that time is translated into dollars using federal wage data, the “invisible pay cut” totals $8,158 annually for the average U.S. worker.

The report, The Invisible Pay Cut, reframes commuting as part of the total work experience and highlights the significant, often overlooked burden reintroduced by widespread return-to-office mandates. The report ranks all 50 of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas to determine which cities face the highest dollar equivalent of their daily commute.

Key Findings

• 223 hours: The average U.S. worker spends this much time commuting each year, nearly six unpaid 40-hour workweeks.
• $8,158: The time value of that commute, based on the national average hourly wage ($36.53).
• Top Invisible Pay Cuts: Workers in San Jose, San Francisco, and New York lose the most time value, each exceeding $12,000 annually.
• Longest commute: New York City has an average one-way commute of 36 minutes, corresponding to about 300 hours per year in transit.
• Lowest costs: Smaller metros, such as Grand Rapids, Memphis, and Oklahoma City, average around $5,000 per year, but often lack efficient transit options.

“While commuting isn’t a literal pay cut, it represents a real loss of time that could be spent working, resting, or living,” said Jasmine Escalera, Career Expert at MyPerfectResume. “By quantifying commute time in terms of value, we expose how returning to the office reshapes the economics of work for millions of people.”

Top 10 Metros with the Highest Invisible Pay Cuts

The metros listed below experience the steepest “time tax,” in which long commutes, combined with higher local wages, result in the largest annual time-value losses for workers.

1. San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA
    • Annual Commute Hours: 227.5
    • Mean Hourly Wage: $58.25
    • Time-Value Cost: $13,252
2. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA
    • Annual Commute Hours: 265.0
    • Mean Hourly Wage: $48.15
    • Time-Value Cost: $12,760
3. New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ
    • Annual Commute Hours: 300.0
    • Mean Hourly Wage: $40.65
    • Time-Value Cost: $12,195
4. Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV
    • Annual Commute Hours: 275.0
    • Mean Hourly Wage: $43.47
    • Time-Value Cost: $11,954
5. Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue, WA
    • Annual Commute Hours: 246.7
    • Mean Hourly Wage: $43.16
    • Time-Value Cost: $10,646
6. Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH
    • Annual Commute Hours: 254.2
    • Mean Hourly Wage: $41.85
    • Time-Value Cost: $10,637
7. Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, CA
    • Annual Commute Hours: 249.2
    • Mean Hourly Wage: $36.64
    • Time-Value Cost: $9,129
8. Baltimore–Columbia–Towson, MD
    • Annual Commute Hours: 247.5
    • Mean Hourly Wage: $35.95
    • Time-Value Cost: $8,898
9. Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL–IN
    • Annual Commute Hours: 255.8
    • Mean Hourly Wage: $34.42
    • Time-Value Cost: $8,806
10. Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Roswell, GA
     • Annual Commute Hours: 260.0
     • Mean Hourly Wage: $33.73
     • Time-Value Cost: $8,770

Why the Invisible Pay Cut Matters

The analysis shows how commuting shapes the true nature of compensation and work-life balance in 2026:

• It reframes time as part of compensation. Commuting expands the unpaid portion of the workday, reducing the practical value of take-home pay.
• It exposes the hidden cost of return-to-office mandates. Millions who went remote during the pandemic experienced firsthand how much time they reclaimed. Returning to mandatory commuting can feel like a loss of autonomy and balance.
• It highlights regional inequities. In high-wage metros, long commutes translate into enormous time-value losses. In other cases, lower wages and limited transportation options still impose a substantial “time tax.”

Ultimately, the invisible pay cut reinforces a long-standing truth: time is money, and where we work determines how much of both we lose.

Full Rankings: All 50 Metros by Time-Value Cost

The report includes a ranking of all 50 major U.S. metro areas based on commute duration and local wages. The full table is available in the complete report. To view the full analysis and detailed metro rankings, visit: https://www.myperfectresume.com/career-center/careers/basics/invisible-pay-cut 

For press inquiries, please contact Nathan Barber, Public Relations Specialist, at nathan.barber@bold.com.

Methodology

This analysis uses a time-value approach to estimate the economic cost of commuting. The calculation multiplies each metro area’s annual commuting hours by its average hourly wage to illustrate the opportunity cost of time spent traveling to and from work.

Data sources include:

• U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), Table S0801: mean one-way commute time to work.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024: mean hourly wage for all occupations.

Commute times represent round-trip daily travel across 250 assumed workdays per year. The analysis ranks the 50 largest U.S. metro areas by annual time-value cost.

This framework quantifies lost time but does not capture actual lost wages or out-of-pocket expenses, such as fuel, parking, or transit fares. Hybrid schedules, remote work, and individual commute nuances may vary.

About MyPerfectResume

MyPerfectResume Resume Builder with professional templates is designed to help job seekers elevate their careers. The easy-to-use platform was created to eliminate the hassle of resume writing, offering professionally written examples, free expert tips, step-by-step guidance to make a resume, and valuable interview advice to create an outstanding job application effortlessly. Since 2012, MyPerfectResume's Resume Builder has helped more than 11 million job seekers create their perfect resumes online. Its comprehensive employment surveys have been featured in Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, CNBC, Newsweek, USA Today, BBC, Workable, and more. Stay connected with MyPerfectResume’s latest Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Pinterest updates.

Book Nook - Buddy & Pal (K9 Snoops)

 In the first book of his children’s series, Al Douglas delights young readers with Buddy & Pal(K9: Snoops) – Growlsville.

Bringing heart, humour and heroism to children’s literature, readers meet the author’s eponymous canine investigators whose loyalty and courage redefine what it means to be a hero.

Set in the wonderfully quirky town of Growlsville and with a colourful cast of characters and playful nods to old-fashioned mystery tales this story will enthral readers aged 6 to 10.Capturing the spirit of friendship, courage and community, all seen through a pair of inquisitive, cookie-loving, larger-than-life hounds, it also touches on the duo’s moving search for a forever home.

Encouraging critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of adventure, this pitch perfect canine caper is set to become a must-read for all young detectives in training. It also makes a great addition to the Christmas stockings of anyone who loves a good mystery, animals and fun.

 

Synopsis:

Follow the tail-wagging BUDDY & PAL (K9:SNOOPS) series of children's detective stories.

Meet Buddy & Pal, two brilliant pure-bred bloodhounds with noses for trouble. These highly skilled sleuths are unmatched in tracking down missing persons and solving the toughest cases. But despite their incredible abilities, these loyal companions are searching for a loving forever home where their talents can truly be appreciated.

Join Buddy & Pal as they prove that 'no stone is left unturned' for this lovable duo.

 

Independently published, Buddy & Pal (K9:Snoops) is available to purchase on Amazon at https://tinyurl.com/4yejdkm4 and https://tinyurl.com/2ecb7s97

It is also available to purchase on Amazon.com

About the Author:

Born in the small village of Ystradgynlais in South Wales, UK, Al Douglas is the author of Buddy & Pal (K9:Snoops). Growlsville is the first book in this children’s detective series. He moved to London when he was five years old, and from the age of six he became involved in his father’s entertainment agency, where he worked with many stars of stage and screen. He studied Dynamic Writing with Prof. Stuart Browne (NYU) then went on to work with Hollywood screenwriting guru Syd Field (USC). He was a member of the BBC Writers Unit and has connections with several Independent Production Companies. When he isn’t writing, Al enjoys the beautiful Welsh countryside.

Area Attractions - Crime, Communication, and Consequences: New Exhibit Updates and Community Discount Days at Alcatraz East

 February marks the anniversary of the indictment against Michelle Carter for the role she played in Conrad Roy III’s death, and Alcatraz East Crime Museum is highlighting the case by displaying some new items related to the tragedy. Additionally, the museum is offering discount tickets to celebrate Local Appreciation Days and Homeschool Days.

 

"The death of Conrad Roy III hits home for a lot of people. We are so honored to share his story and raise awareness for families who may have loved ones struggling with similar things," said Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “It’s an ideal time to put this type of crime in the spotlight and remind people to be mindful of what they send others.”

 

According to news sources, Michelle Carter was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter as a result of text messages she sent her suicidal boyfriend. In the messages, she encouraged him to commit suicide, even after he expressed second thoughts about carrying out the act. She was sentenced to 15 months in prison but was released early for good behavior in 2020.

 

The museum is refreshing some of the artifacts related to the case, including adding Roy’s captain’s license and baseball glove. The items are being added to the white-collar crimes section of the museum. They are also adding new artifacts to other exhibits, including a high school yearbook from the Heaven’s Gate leader Marshall Applewhite, a stoneware mug from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, and a recovered tile from a bank robbed by the notorious duo Bonnie and Clyde.

 

"We love our locals and homeschool families and are holding special days to celebrate them at the museum," Pennington said. "These days provide them with an opportunity to score a discounted admission ticket that they won’t want to miss.”

 

Locals can get discounted tickets throughout the month of February 2026, paying only $15 per person, plus tax for a general admission ticket. The discount is open to all residents who live or work in the counties of Blount, Cocke, Jefferson, Knox, and Sevier. Guests must present their identification or paystub to redeem the discount offer at the box office.

 

Alcatraz East Crime Museum is offering special Homeschool Days throughout February 2026. Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 3 pm, homeschoolers will receive a discounted admission rate of $12 per person, plus tax. Groups of 10 or more who book in advance will pay $10 per person, plus tax. To arrange for a group visit, contact Rhiannon at groupsales@alcatrazeast.com.Proof of homeschooling is required, which may include a letter of intent/or verification of homeschool enrollment from a school district, homeschool co-op identification, or proof of enrollment in an umbrella program.

 

The museum features over 100 exhibits and interactives, as well as four temporary exhibit spaces, showcasing many famous items, including Al Capone's rosary, Ted Bundy's dental molds, and Charles Manson's acoustic guitar. This top museum is open daily at 10 am. The last tickets are sold 60 minutes before closing. These interactive experiences are available for an additional fee for birthday parties, school groups, scouts, team building, or other special events. To get a discounted rate for groups of 15 or more, complete the online form and allow up to 72 hours for confirmation. For more information about tickets, discounts, temporary exhibits, and all the museum has to offer, visit the website: https://www.alcatrazeast.com.

 

Alcatraz East Crime Museum has updated its board of crime experts, which includes Derwin Bradley, a retired master police officer; James R. Knight, a crime writer; Robin Maynard, a certified crime scene investigator in Florida; Derek Newport, a law enforcement veteran who worked for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for 20 years; and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who presided over the notorious case against Casey Anthony, among others.

 

About Alcatraz East

Alcatraz East is the most arresting crime museum in the United States. Guests of all ages can embark on a unique journey through the history of American crime, crime-solving, and the justice system. Through interactive exhibits and original artifacts, Alcatraz East is an entertaining and educational experience for all ages - so much fun it's a crime! This family attraction is at The Island's entrance, 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN. The last ticket is sold 60 minutes before closing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.alcatrazeast.com.

 

Caring Connections - Valentine’s Day Red Flags: Recognising Warning Signs Of An Unhealthy Relationship

 Roses are red, as are warning flags and red flags should not be ignored in any healthy relationship. This Valentine’s Day focus on yourself and take an honest look at how those in your life are treating you. BACP counsellor Margaret Ward-Martin, founder of The Grace Project looks at the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship,  how a relationship can affect you emotionally and psychologically and how to protect yourself.  

We’re approaching Valentine’s Day at warp speed, feeling soft and mushy after our festive fill of romcoms, so it’s worth reflecting on our own relationships, not just those served up in celluloid with a side of soft focus. While feelgood stories are appealing, they can result in a tendency to ignore, minimise, or deny, red flags. Such overly sweet happiness is rarely the stuff of real life.

Margaret comments: “To stay safe in relationships I would suggest paying equal, if not more, attention to how you feel as well as what you hear and see. Often, predators and abusers are adept at saying the right things, knowing what you likely want to hear and what works. They are accomplished manipulators. Initially, you may be told how handsome/gorgeous/successful you are and how fortunate this potential partner feels to have found you. There may be gifts and trips and flattery and it’s all, simply perfect, except you are feeling stressed or unsure or something that you cannot describe but it feels “off.”

You may have anxiety because of poor treatment in previous relationships and wariness is a fair position to take but if it feels like anything listed below, give yourself credit for protecting yourself.

Instead of being distracted by the superficial, trust your feelings in the relationship. All may look fine but what’s going on for you emotionally and psychologically? There may be a tendency to minimise the internal warning signs or underplay the implications of a difficult conversation or situation, to keep the peace. Please don’t. Advocate for yourself. 

Recognising warning signs of an unhealthy relationship - ask yourself do you feel:

• Confused:  This may result from a contradiction between what is said to you and what you see or know to be fact.

• Unsafe:  You want to question something your partner said or did but don’t in case it escalates. If there is any kind of physical intimidation, please get to safety. You do not deserve to be shouted at, pushed, and shoved or have things thrown around. That is violence. 

• Dismissed:   Being told that you are “too sensitive,” “emotional,” “uptight,” “frigid” and similar when you object to an unpleasant comment.

• Criticised:  Because you have an opposing opinion, decided to spend money or do something without “permission,” or have a different way of doing something that results in you being called useless and stupid.

• Anxious:  If you are waiting to see what mood a person is in then that is not good. Not good at all. It means you are constantly in a state of alertness, and this is stressful. That is no life.

• Controlled: Maybe it doesn’t sound like control, more like – “are you sure you should eat that?”;  “I don’t want you to go out and get tired, stay with me tonight, your friends can see you another time”; “You look cold, maybe another jumper?”.  Control often creeps into relationships and can be devious and cunning. Tracking, in the name of looking out for you, is sometimes control that goes unrecognized. It’s controlling because if you bring it up it may be met with defensiveness or an attack in which you are characterized as spoiled, ungrateful and unappreciative of a partner who cares that much. If you did not give consent and feel it’s off then you are likely, spot on. 

• Diminished:  After some time, your spirit may dim. You have less hope, energy, friends, hobbies, and ambition. You may be propping yourself up with coping strategies; alcohol, food, sex, substances – look at what behaviours you are engaged in in this relationship that numb the feelings. Honestly assess their role, without judgement. 

Family and friends may not be supportive. They, too, may have been charmed, groomed, and manipulated as much as you. Don’t expect everyone to understand the pain you are in. Manage your expectations when you start to move away from the relationship – disappointed parents who want a grandchild, the friends who say “you look so good together” and those who try and convince you that you are going to regret this decision.  Stick close to those who genuinely care about you. 

This Valentine’s Day focus on yourself and take an honest look at how those in your life are treating you. If it is less than respectful, gift yourself the decision to walk away.

BACP Counsellor and Psychotherapist Margaret Ward-Martin holds over 30 years’ experience in the mental health industry as a teacher, coach and therapist with a special interest in narcissistic abuse and coercive control survival, addiction and early childhood trauma. She founded The Grace Project in 2021 to raise awareness about emotional and psychological abuse in the world in which we live. Margaret continues to advocate for better access to mental health services and for greater understanding and destigmatization of diagnosis.

Fun Freetime - BagelFest West (4/12, LA)

  The bagel is going west. Following years of sold-out success in New York, BagelFest presented by King Arthur Baking Company, is expanding to the West Coast with the launch of BagelFest West. Taking place Sunday, April 12, at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion, in partnership with the Jewish Food Lab of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, the inaugural West Coast edition marks a major milestone for the fast-growing event that has transformed the beloved everyday carb into a cultural and industry phenomenon. Hosted in Koreatown, the culinary epicenter of Los Angeles, BagelFest West is expected to attract 800 to 1,000 attendees and feature 30 exhibitors, uniting bagel artisans, bakers, food entrepreneurs and bagel lovers. The venue’s dramatic, multi-level architecture further sets the stage for an unforgettable gathering.

 

“A global bagel boom is underway, and the West Coast has fully arrived,” says Sam Silverman. “BagelFest West is to celebrate the artisans who are breaking the outdated idea that world-class bagels can only be made with New York water.”

 

The BagelFest West experience will unfold across an entire weekend, beginning with an Industry Mixer on Saturday, April 11, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., hosted at the landmark Wilshire Boulevard Temple. Designed as an intimate networking evening, the mixer will bring together bagel makers, bakers, shops and industry leaders to break bread, share ideas and make meaningful connections ahead of the main event.

 

On Sunday, BagelFest West will feature two distinct sessions designed to serve both the trade and the public. A morning industry-only session from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. will convene chefs, buyers, and bagel-adjacent brands for focused networking, education and curated tastings. The afternoon public session, running from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., will open the doors to bagel enthusiasts of all ages, offering an immersive celebration of flavor and community with culinary panels and unlimited bagel and schmear sampling throughout the event.

 

Throughout the day, guests will experience a dynamic and interactive program featuring a curated bagel showcase from top shops, themed discussions led by expert bakers and industry voices, live demonstrations, and friendly competitions that highlight excellence across categories, including: Best of the West, Best Bagel, Best Sandwich, Most Creative, Rising Star, and Schmear of the Year. Winning a top BagelFest award has helped propel regional brands into the national culinary spotlight, including PopUp Bagels (Best Bagel winner in 2021 and 2022, now scaling toward 300 locations nationwide) and Starship Bagel (Best Bagel winner in 2023 and 2025, Schmear of the Year in 2024), which has since become a two-time James Beard Award nominee and been featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri.” Attendees will have the opportunity to participate directly by voting alongside a distinguished panel of judges that includes James Beard Award winners, Michelin-starred chefs, restaurant owners and cookbook authors.

 

A dedicated kids’ section will offer hands-on, creative activities throughout the afternoon, including make-your-own aprons, bagel themed coloring stations, and chef hat decorating, ensuring younger guests are actively engaged while families explore the festival together. Toby L. Neiman, Associate Executive Director and Head of Strategic Programming, Wilshire Boulevard Temple says, “BagelFest West aligns beautifully with the Jewish Food Lab’s mission to use food as a gateway to culture and connection. By welcoming families into the experience, the festival turns culinary exploration into a multigenerational conversation.”

 

BagelFest West is produced by BagelUp, the experiential food company founded by Sam Silverman, New York’s Bagel Ambassador. What began in 2019 as a small gathering of 300 bagel enthusiasts in Bushwick has grown into the premier trade and consumer event for the bagel industry, helping bagel brands gain national recognition, funding, and expansion opportunities. In addition to the festival, BagelUp produces year-round bagel-centric experiences including hands-on bagel baking classes and curated bagel tours.

 

“King Arthur Baking is excited to follow BagelFest West as the presenting sponsor for the inaugural west coast edition, celebrating bagels, bagel makers, and fans of the iconic bread,” says Jeff Yankellow, Director of Bakery Food Service, King Arthur Baking. “Our participation aligns with our vision to bring people together, inspire, and share the joy of baking to build stronger communities. There’s no better example of this happening than at local bagel shops in communities around the country and world.”

 

BagelFest West invites Los Angeles to experience the ultimate celebration of bagel culture, where craftsmanship and community converge. Tickets start at $65 and are available at https://www.bagelfest.com/tickets. Use code EARLYBAGEL for 18% off, while supplies last. All-Access Tickets are available for $199, which includes on-site parking. 

 

About BagelFest

 

BagelFest celebrates bagels and the artisans behind them. Sample signature bites and schmears from the best bagel bakers in the world, meet the makers, and experience bagel culture like never before with hands-on programming, one-of-a-kind competitions, and family-friendly activities for all ages. BagelFest is produced by BagelUp.

 

About King Arthur Baking Company

 

King Arthur Baking Company has been dedicated to spreading the joy of baking since its beginning in 1790. Proudly certified as a B Corp and 100% employee-owned, King Arthur stands as the premier baking resource for both home bakers and professionals. Committed to excellence and innovation, King Arthur delivers unparalleled quality flour and technical support to bakery, foodservice, pizzeria, and culinary customers, ensuring impeccable results with every bake. Explore products, support, and resources tailored to bakery and foodservice customers at KingArthurBaking.com/pro.

 

About The Jewish Food Lab

 

The Jewish Food Lab at Wilshire Boulevard Temple is dedicated to celebrating the tastes and traditions of global Jewish food and culture. Grounded in the richness of Jewish experience and history, the Jewish Food Lab strives to create educational and experiential opportunities for all the senses. The initiative serves as a cornerstone of community outreach and cultural programming at Wilshire Boulevard Temple and throughout Los Angeles.