Latest news with #StoneBridge
Hans India
18-05-2025
- Hans India
A journey through Zamora's Semana Santa
I was on my way to Zamora city, the capital of Zamora province in the Castile and León region of northwest Spain- a less explored and charming part of the country. Outside, swathes of golden rape fields and emerald meadows stretched like silken tapestries, while the icy breath of a one-degree morning clung to the car windows. I was en route to witness Semana Santa—the Holy Week—in this ancient city, often called Spain's Romanesque treasure. Zamora, perched above the Duero River, is a city suspended in time. With the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in all of Europe—24 dating from the 12th and 13th centuries—it's often described as a living museum of stone and faith. I checked into the Palacio del Duero, a tranquil hotel carved out of a 14th-century convent, and met my guide, Cristina, who led me through the heart of Zamora's storied past. We began at Balborraz Street, a medieval artery sloping steeply toward the river lined with picturesque low-rise houses with balconies and wooden gazebos that overlook the street. This street hosts one of the key processions of Holy Week, and the air seemed to echo with the slow, solemn steps of hooded penitents. Everywhere we walked, I found the city reflecting the mood of the Holy Week: right from Semana Santa inspired window dressings to figurines of Christ in sorrow. Traffic lights were discreetly covered so as not to disturb the sacred aesthetic during processions. The statue of the Merlú in Plaza Mayor captivated me—two bronze figures frozen in time, playing the drum and the cornet. They once roamed the city at dawn, waking the faithful for the processions. Thetradition continues even today, at 5 a.m. on Good Friday, five such pairs march through the streets, their haunting rhythms stirring souls from sleep. Cristina led me through the Romanesque mile: San Juan de Puerta Nueva, with its beautiful rose window; Santa María Magdalena, home to a mystical sepulchre and a smiling Christ, decorative elements, and stunning apse. San Isidoro, San Vicente, and Santiago del Burgo, each had its own charm. The Church of San Pedro y San Ildefonso (the Saint patron of Zamora) houses the relics of San Ildefonso and San Atilano. Here the Virgin of Beautiful Love—Virgen del Amor Hermoso, carved in wood, is adorned with real earrings donated by devotees seeking good fortune in love. She is depicted triumphing over evil, her foot crushing a devil-serpent bearing an apple in its jaws. We went past the Theatre of Ramos Carrion-a beautiful blue building; explored Viriato Square with the imposing sculpture of the Portuguese shepherd; admired the 'Stone Bridge', one of the most iconic landmarks of Zamora- a Romanesque bridge from the 12th century consisting of sixteen oval arches that elegantly span the river. The Cathedral of Zamora stood like a sentinel over the city, crowned with its unique Byzantine dome. Christoph Strieder- councillor of tourism in the town hall of Zamora, my cheerful host, received me warmly, took me around and introduced me to the local luminaries. Inside the cathedral, light filtered softly over carved choir stalls and Renaissance gates. I felt I was in a period filmset: clergymen in velvet robes and rosaries holding staffs and the brotherhood standing solemnly in penitence. Protected from the cold I sat snugly inside the church and watched as they prepared for the procession. As hundreds of people viewed through the last rays of the sun, the solemn gathering in front of the cathedral made a picture of divine spirituality. Incense permeated the air as the penitents took an oath of silence. Holding candles, they then started moving slowly and so did the Pasos, carried reverently by the brotherhood members. As I watched a stork feeding her young atop the Cathedral, with passion flowers blooming below, I knew I hadn't merely observed Semana Santa—I had lived it, in a city where faith is etched in every stone and whispered in every silence.
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Ryan Grossman Joins Osaic-Affiliated StoneBridge Advisors
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 2025-- Osaic, Inc.('Osaic'), one of the nation's largest providers of wealth management solutions, announced today that its affiliate, StoneBridge Advisors, Inc., has recruited Ryan Grossman, ChFC®, as a financial planner. Grossman joins from VALIC Financial Advisors, Inc., and will serve clients alongside his longtime practice manager, Susan Gallant, and client service coordinator, Michelle Kellner. Grossman brings $210 million in assets under advisement to StoneBridge, along with a strong track record of delivering personalized financial and portfolio planning to individuals and households. StoneBridge, a Maryland-based firm founded by Michael W. Ward, CLU, ChFC, CFP®, in 2005, helps clients navigate complex financial decisions through customized retirement, estate and investment strategies. Led by managing partner Sarah L. Cicero, CFP®, Grossman's addition enhances StoneBridge's high-touch service model and positions the firm for continued growth across the Mid-Atlantic region. 'Ryan's depth of experience and client-first mindset make him an ideal fit for our team,' said Steve Koziol, chief operations officer at StoneBridge. 'We're excited to welcome him and Susan to our team and look forward to their impact they will have on our firm as we grow.' Grossman chose to affiliate with StoneBridge and Osaic because of their advisor-first culture and robust support ecosystem, including advanced technology tools, business development resources and a broad suite of investment solutions. Osaic's platform was developed to streamline operations, reduce complexity and help advisors focus on deepening client relationships—reflecting the firm's mission to make wealth management more transformational rather than transactional. 'StoneBridge offers an attractive culture while providing the resources we need to serve clients with greater impact,' said Grossman. 'It was important for us to join a firm that truly invests in its advisors, from business development and education to marketing and succession planning. With Osaic, we're also gaining access to leading investment platforms, alternative investments and market research that will give us the flexibility we need to grow and thrive.' Grossman's move follows a series of recent growth milestones at Osaic, which continues to attract top talent and advisory practices. In recent months, the firm welcomed wealth management firms NoxNumis, and Ever Wealth to its growing network of financial professionals, as well as appointed Saumya Bhavsar as chief legal officer and general counsel. 'We're proud to support Ryan's transition and long-term success through our advisor-centric platform,' said Kristen Kimmell, executive vice president of business development of Osaic. 'Ryan's decision to join StoneBridge and our network reflects the strength of our offering and the caliber of professionals we continue to attract.' Learn more at About Osaic: Osaic, Inc. ('Osaic'), a portfolio company of Reverence Capital Partners, is one of the nation's largest providers of wealth management solutions, supporting approximately 11,000 financial professionals. Osaic's mission is to empower entrepreneurial advisors to build thriving businesses and fulfill their clients' dreams. Visit to learn more. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through the firms: Osaic Wealth, Inc. and Osaic Institutions, Inc., broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, and members of FINRA and SIPC. Securities are offered through Osaic Services, Inc. and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., broker-dealers and members of FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, Inc., and Osaic Advisory Services, LLC., registered investment advisers. Advisory programs offered by Osaic Wealth, Inc. are sponsored by VISION2020 Wealth Management Corp., an affiliated registered investment adviser. View source version on CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected] Dixon 317-590-0915 [email protected] Farmer 415-377-3293 [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA ARIZONA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FINANCE BANKING ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ASSET MANAGEMENT SOURCE: Osaic, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/13/2025 08:58 AM/DISC: 05/13/2025 08:57 AM
Business Wire
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Ryan Grossman Joins Osaic-Affiliated StoneBridge Advisors
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Osaic, Inc. ('Osaic'), one of the nation's largest providers of wealth management solutions, announced today that its affiliate, StoneBridge Advisors, Inc., has recruited Ryan Grossman, ChFC®, as a financial planner. Grossman joins from VALIC Financial Advisors, Inc., and will serve clients alongside his longtime practice manager, Susan Gallant, and client service coordinator, Michelle Kellner. 'We're proud to support Ryan's transition and long-term success through our advisor-centric platform,' said Kristen Kimmell, executive vice president of business development of Osaic. Grossman brings $210 million in assets under advisement to StoneBridge, along with a strong track record of delivering personalized financial and portfolio planning to individuals and households. StoneBridge, a Maryland-based firm founded by Michael W. Ward, CLU, ChFC, CFP®, in 2005, helps clients navigate complex financial decisions through customized retirement, estate and investment strategies. Led by managing partner Sarah L. Cicero, CFP®, Grossman's addition enhances StoneBridge's high-touch service model and positions the firm for continued growth across the Mid-Atlantic region. 'Ryan's depth of experience and client-first mindset make him an ideal fit for our team,' said Steve Koziol, chief operations officer at StoneBridge. 'We're excited to welcome him and Susan to our team and look forward to their impact they will have on our firm as we grow.' Grossman chose to affiliate with StoneBridge and Osaic because of their advisor-first culture and robust support ecosystem, including advanced technology tools, business development resources and a broad suite of investment solutions. Osaic's platform was developed to streamline operations, reduce complexity and help advisors focus on deepening client relationships—reflecting the firm's mission to make wealth management more transformational rather than transactional. 'StoneBridge offers an attractive culture while providing the resources we need to serve clients with greater impact,' said Grossman. 'It was important for us to join a firm that truly invests in its advisors, from business development and education to marketing and succession planning. With Osaic, we're also gaining access to leading investment platforms, alternative investments and market research that will give us the flexibility we need to grow and thrive.' Grossman's move follows a series of recent growth milestones at Osaic, which continues to attract top talent and advisory practices. In recent months, the firm welcomed wealth management firms NoxNumis, and Ever Wealth to its growing network of financial professionals, as well as appointed Saumya Bhavsar as chief legal officer and general counsel. 'We're proud to support Ryan's transition and long-term success through our advisor-centric platform,' said Kristen Kimmell, executive vice president of business development of Osaic. 'Ryan's decision to join StoneBridge and our network reflects the strength of our offering and the caliber of professionals we continue to attract.' Learn more at About Osaic: Osaic, Inc. ('Osaic'), a portfolio company of Reverence Capital Partners, is one of the nation's largest providers of wealth management solutions, supporting approximately 11,000 financial professionals. Osaic's mission is to empower entrepreneurial advisors to build thriving businesses and fulfill their clients' dreams. Visit to learn more. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through the firms: Osaic Wealth, Inc. and Osaic Institutions, Inc., broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, and members of FINRA and SIPC. Securities are offered through Osaic Services, Inc. and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., broker-dealers and members of FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, Inc., and Osaic Advisory Services, LLC., registered investment advisers. Advisory programs offered by Osaic Wealth, Inc. are sponsored by VISION2020 Wealth Management Corp., an affiliated registered investment adviser.
