The ASPCA Helps to Protect Retired and Active Racehorses

A graduate of Hollins University, Hampton Luzak has worked in advertising, fashion, television, and film. She has most recently leveraged her creativity to restore and preserve the architecture of historic homes. Dedicated to giving back, Hampton Luzak supports several nonprofit groups, including the ASPCA. 

In addition to rescuing and facilitating the adoptions of at-risk dogs and cats, the ASPCA advances a variety of programs and initiatives to protect farm and working animals. Since 2010, it has conducted its Rescuing Racers Initiative, which provides financial support for organizations that care for retired racehorses. 

As part of the initiative, the ASPCA recently awarded $185,000 to 10 equine rescue groups. They include the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Canter, and MidAtlantic Horse Rescue. With the recent funding included, the ASPCA has awarded equine organizations nationwide more than $2 million since founding the initiative. 

Along with providing funds to protect retired racehorses, the ASPCA advocates for stronger regulations in the racing industry. Most recently, the organization has been advocating for the Horseracing Integrity Act of 2017, which would establish anti-doping and safety regulations in horse racing.

Jackson Hole Features Range of Outdoor Sports Options

After a long career in media and advertising, Hampton Luzak turned her attention to restoring historic houses. Focusing primarily on homes from the late 1700s, Hampton Luzak completed projects in Connecticut, Nantucket, and South Carolina. In her leisure time, she participates in a wide range of winter sports in Wyoming.

Wyoming’s varied terrain includes the Teton Mountain Range, the Snake River, and a number of national parks, making it desirable for outdoor sport aficionados. People travel to Wyoming to enjoy a range of activities including skiing, hiking, biking, rafting, and paddleboarding. Two famous Wyoming resorts, Jackson Hole and Sleeping Giant, provide base camps for travelers who wish to participate.

Jackson Hole offers a particularly stunning array of outdoor sports to visitors. In addition to skiing and snowboarding amid the Tetons, people have the opportunity to enjoy mountain biking and hiking trails, fly fishing, paragliding, and a variety of water sports on the Snake River. The most recent addition to the resort, the Via Ferrata, allows climbers to venture out high above an impressive valley just south of Grand Teton National Park.

Georgian Residential Style of 18th-Century Colonial America

Hampton Luzak has a background in fashion and television production and has served as casting director on a variety of film sets, including the award-winning short Chaperone. Hampton Luzak has also focused her creative energy on the historic preservation and renovation efforts of numerous residences in Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut.

One historic residential architectural style prominent in New England is Georgian architecture. A period of American architecture that emerged in the early 1700s, the Georgian era featured homes that were similar to the previous generation of Colonial houses in chimney configuration, as well as cladding. However, Georgian homes were much larger than their Colonial predecessors.

Another distinct aspect of Georgian homes is their predictable design, with windows and doors set in orderly arrangements along the two-story front side of homes that extended two rooms deep. For example, second floor windows were typically arranged in odd numbers that extended across as three, five, or seven windows, depending on the dimensions of the home. The functionality of the design imparts a sense of solidity and orderliness that makes Georgian residences important to preservationists to this day.

Three Traits of Good Casting Directors

Hampton Luzak is a former entertainment industry professional with both in front of and behind the camera. In addition to roles as a producer and reporter, Hampton Luzak previously worked with Denise Fitzgerald Casting as a casting director in New York City. 

Many casting directors hold a two- or four-year degree in a field related to entertainment. However, industry insiders suggest that strong connections are at least as important as an educational background. Casting is about knowing the right actors and having a good relationship with talent agents and directors. According to industry leaders, good casting directors also have the following traits:

-Strong communication and negotiation skills. Casting professionals need to work with studios, directors, talent, and a wealth of other people in the industry. This often involves navigating conversations about money and contracts, where negotiating skills are especially useful. 

-Organizational skills and a sharp memory. A good casting director usually has multiple projects going on at the same time. He or she needs to be able to juggle these projects while remembering names, script details, and other important bits of industry information. 

-The ability to handle stress. Casting is hard work with long hours. Casting professionals do not always land their first choice for a role on the first attempt. The best casting professionals can roll with the punches and remain calm.

Three Ways to Prevent Blisters While Hiking

Creative professional Hampton Luzak is an active philanthropist, supporting organizations such as ASPCA and the Joyful Heart Foundation. Outside of her work in the nonprofit sector, Hampton Luzak enjoys hiking during the summer months. 

Experienced hikers attest that protecting your feet is one of the most important precautions you can take out on the trail. Here are three quick tips to help you protect your feet from painful blisters.

1. Use the right boots. All too often, hikers do not spend enough time finding boots that fit them properly, which can cause recurring blisters. Boots come in many different styles and materials, so shop around and ask for expert opinions at local shops. The sole should be stiff enough to prevent feeling trail bumps, while the boot itself should be roomy enough to avoid pinching the feet.

2. Stay dry. Wet socks and feet add friction while walking. This often causes blisters on the irritated skin. To avoid this, keep feet dry at all times and use moisture-wicking socks to prevent sweat from accumulating.

3. Monitor your feet. In most cases, you can feel a blister beginning to form before it becomes a real issue. When you feel a “hot spot” on your foot, apply moleskin or medical tape to the affected area to eliminate friction. If the tape comes off, stop immediately and reapply.