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Eighth Season of Free Native American Performances Exhibits Arizona’s Diversity
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Take an unforgettable journey through the vivid First Nations of Arizona and North America with the eighth season of Native Trails, presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau invites travelers to the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall in downtown to experience the series of free Native American festivals taking place most Thursdays and Saturdays from Jan. 21 – April 10, 2010.
“Native Trails allows us to share our art of music and movement with Scottsdale visitors,” said Derrick Suwaima Davis, artistic director for Native Trails and four-time world-champion hoop dancer. “Our performances showcase the common threads among cultures and we provide an opportunity for visitors to make an emotional connection with our performances and our tribal ancestry.”
Participating tribes including the Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Hopi, Yavapai, Apache and Dine (Navajo) inspire attendees with their memorable musical performances and traditional dances. Performers present their history, pottery, textiles and more to introduce attendees to the diverse lifestyles of the tribes. Musical performances incorporate traditional instruments such as flutes, gourds and drums and dances range from Navajo dancing to the three artist hoop dance, a high energy performance with synchronized movements and cameo routines. This year, new cast members will join returning artists and the performers will present all-new choreography and songs as well as favorite dances that are set to new music. Royalty from different Arizona Nations also will participate on weekends. Performances take place from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Native Trails performances began in January 2003 as part of the City of Scottsdale’s cultural tourism initiative, Culture Quest Scottsdale. The opportunity to experience Native American culture was the highest-rated arts and cultural desire revealed by the City’s study of Scottsdale tourists, which is why the program was created. Last season (January – April 2009) had an average attendance of 278 with more than 5,000 people total in attendance.
For more information on Native Trails (including black-out dates), visit www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com or contact the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau at (480) 421-1004 or toll-free at (800) 782-1117.
Editor’s Note: Native Trails images are available for print upon request.
American Jewish World Service Creates Fund to Promote Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights in Uganda
NEW YORK, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — In response to egregious human rights violations against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals in Uganda, American Jewish World Service (AJWS) has established the URGENT LGBT UGANDA FUND.The fund will support Ugandan grassroots organizations working to defend the rights of sexual minorities and to defeat a dangerous piece of proposed legislation — “The Anti-Homosexuality Bill.”
The bill seeks to broaden the criminalization of homosexuality and penalize supporters and funders of LGBT programs and rights. The passage of this bill would severely impede human rights and development groups’ efforts to ensure the safety and security of the Ugandan LGBT community. It would also make it extremely difficult for groups to implement effective prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Moreover, the bill violates the freedom of every person to live a safe and dignified life — a core value that unifies all of AJWS’s work and is central to the Jewish experience.
“AJWS’s work is propelled by a very basic value: the essential dignity of every human being,” AJWS president Ruth Messinger said. “In the spirit of b’tselem elohim — the understanding that each person is made in the divine image — we recognize that every human life is of equal value.
“We are especially reminded of this in supporting the work of LGBT communities around the globe.” Continue Reading »
Walt Disney World Resort Celebrates U.S. Military in 2010 With Special Ticket, Lodging Offers
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ — As Disney Parks ask “What Will You Celebrate?” and invite guests to turn their personal milestones into magical family vacations in 2010, America’s military personnel will have more reasons to celebrate: Special offers on theme park tickets and accommodations.
With Disney’s Armed Forces Salute, from Jan. 3 to July 31, 2010, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard and active members of the National Guard or Reservists) or their spouses can purchase Disney’s 4-Day Military Promotional Base Tickets for $99, plus tax, for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends for use at Walt Disney World Resort. The Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options can be added for an additional $26, plus tax, per option, per ticket. No more than six Disney’s 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets (with or without options) may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (and/or spouse) pursuant to this offer.
All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Sept. 30, 2010. However, the tickets and options are not valid for use on the following blockout dates: March 27, 2010, to April 9, 2010, for all Walt Disney World theme parks and other gated attractions; and July 3 to July 4, 2010, for the Magic Kingdom park.
Active and retired U.S. military personnel also can save up to 40 percent on rooms at select Disney resorts! Continue Reading »
PHILADELPHIA, PA / DECEMBER 31, 2009 / DIVERSE NEWS- A.D. or Anno Domini, means, In the Year of Our Lord, I know, you may have thought it meant, After Death. But yes, this is what it is. Many countries, including Moscow and dozens of other countries around the world are already celebrating 2010, which is based on the birth of Jesus Christ.
No matter if people know Him as the Lord or a Prophet, this is what the calendar we use and almost every other country – including Islamic countries – uses to record time.
So, help bring in the New Year with tidings of peace and joy and remember what these years are based on.
Happy New Year!
-JT
NEWTOWN, Pa., Dec. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today pledged to donate $400,000 to the Washington Crossing Historical Park in Washington Crossing, Pa. The park, which has experienced recent state budget cuts, is visited by more than one hundred thousand tourists each year.
Lockheed Martin’s donation will fund the addition of a dedicated education wing at the park’s visitor center, which is scheduled for renovation in the latter part of 2010. The donation was announced by Marshall Byrd, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Newtown, Pa. Byrd also pledged, on behalf of the approximate 13,000 Lockheed Martin employees in the Delaware Valley area, a five-year commitment of volunteer in-kind support for the park’s maintenance and operations.
The announcement was made at the park’s annual Christmas Day reenactment of General George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River. In making the announcement, Byrd was joined by U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy, whose district encompasses both the park and Lockheed Martin’s Newtown facility.
“In looking for a way to support the important educational mission of Washington Crossing Historical Park, we sought Congressman Murphy’s advice and counsel,” Byrd said. “He put us in touch with Doug Miller (Site Administrator, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission), whose enthusiasm and encouragement became key factors in our decision to make this contribution.”
“Lockheed Martin also thanks Congressman Murphy for his tireless advocacy on behalf of this park and its new neighbor, Washington Crossing National Cemetery,” Byrd added. “He has helped lead our community’s efforts to recognize the sacrifices made by America’s military veterans. Those sacrifices are commemorated today and will be honored both here and at the cemetery for generations to come.” Continue Reading »