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Indian Consulate in New York, IAAC host specially-curated cultural, artistic events to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence

india's independence day in new york

Specially-curated cultural and artistic events, including a concert headlined by Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and a photo exhibition by celebrated photographer Steve McCurry will commemorate India’s 75th independence Day celebrations here, showcasing to the Americans and the diaspora the nation’s “progress as a vibrant democracy.” The Consulate General of India in New York along with the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) is organising the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav – Festival of Freedom’.

The two-week long specially-curated events at some of the most iconic cultural venues in New York City feature photography, dance, music and India’s classical culture in the run-up to 75 years of India’s independence on August 15 this year. The Consul General of India in New York, Randhir Jaiswal, said as India marks 75 years of independence, “it will truly be a historic day in our nation’s onward march.” He added that the ‘Festival of India@75′ will celebrate India’s landmark year in the city of New York and is featuring the finest exponents of Indian performing arts.

Also read| Week-long activities to celebrate India@75 launched in US

“It is only fitting that the best of Indian thought and culture is brought to New York – the cultural capital of America,” he noted.The celebration aims to bring the “best of Indian thought and culture to our friends in America and through them showcase the progress of our nation as a vibrant democracy,” the Indian Consulate said in a statement issued on Monday.

IAAC Chairman Dr. Nirmal Mattoo said the organisation is proud and honoured to mark the occasion of 75 years of Indian Independence with the remarkable series of events celebrating Indian art and culture.“Curated with care, this line-up boosts an ambitious goal: to truly immerse audiences into a vibrant and diverse culture with limitless potential to inspire all citizens of the world,” he said in a statement issued by the IAAC. The grand finale of the ‘Festival of India@75′ on August 15 will feature Khan along with Sarod virtuosos Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash and tabla players Amit Kavthekar and Ojas Adhiya for a ‘Samaagam’, an ensemble that will present the essence of both Indian and Western traditions seamlessly flowing into each other without artistic compromise.

Also read| 75th Independence Day: What freedom small businesses seek from GST-related challenges

In ‘Samaagam’, 12 different ragas are presented, creating a unique opportunity to experience joyous music and shared traditions.The concert, featuring renowned Conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya and the Refugee Orchestra, will be held at the Carnegie Hall and would “present a synthesis of musical traditions motivated by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence and peace.” The festival began on August 5 with a photo exhibition at the Sundaram Tagore Gallery here by McCurry, who has captured India in all its beauty and mystique for over four decades.

McCurry, among whose most famous work is the portrait of the ‘Afghan Girl’, has visited India over 80 times, but in his own words, he has “barely managed to scratch the surface”.On August 6 and 7, breathtaking performances in Indian dances enthralled audiences at the Ailey Citigroup Theatre as talented exponents of various Indian dance forms such as Sanjib Bhattacharya and Jagannath Lairenjam (Sapta, Manipuri-Pung Cholom), Kavya Ganesh (Contemporary Bharatanatyam), Bhavana Reddy (Solo Kuchipudi), Jin Won (Kathak) and Mythili Prakash (Contemporary Bharatanatyam) brought together the richness of Indian dance forms to the audience in New York.

On August 8, the Erasing Borders Dance Festival, a virtual programme of Indian classical as well as contemporary dances was broadcast online. A two-night jazz music event headlined by Sachal Vasandani and Friends featuring Grammy-nominated singer Priya Darshini performing music from a spellbinding collection of arts from East and West will be held on August 11 and 12.

IAAC said Vasandani honours Nat King Cole’s centennial in 2019, while borrowing from his Indian heritage along with Darshini, a captivating singer whose work takes cues from her Indian Classical music roots.Joined by a stellar cast that includes bassist Harish Raghavan (Charles Lloyd), Grammy-nominated pianist Orrin Evans, saxophonist Dayna Stephens and drummer Kush Abadey, the special event will also feature jazz singer Vanisha Gould. Renowned vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty, the star from Patiala Gharana, and her all-female Sakhi ensemble will present a concert at Carnegie Hall on August 13.

“The Sakhi ensemble is an exemplary group of talented Indian artists that brings together voice, instruments, percussion, and dance representing the Indian woman of the 21st century, who is modern yet rooted,” the Consulate said.The penultimate night of the celebration will belong to ‘Saath Saath’ on August 14, an ensemble featuring flute maestro Rakesh Chaurasia, Sitar maestro Purbayan Chatterjee, master percussionist Taufiq Qureshi and Tabla player Ojas Adhiya.

The Consulate said that the ‘Saath-Saath’ ensemble brings the “spontaneity and improvisation within the discipline of Indian classical music that only they can produce.” The fortnight-long festival is part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations that began on March 12, 2021 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off a march from Sabarmati to Dandi in remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March on the same day in 1930.Since then, the Consulate General of India has organised over 200 events under the aegis of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav within its jurisdiction with the valuable support and participation the vibrant diaspora community.

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Dunkirk, Fredonia host National Night Out events

Dunkirk, Fredonia host National Night Out events

Dunkirk Police Officer Ryan Thompson hands out balls to members of the community.

Not all interactions with police or first responders have to take place in times of conflict or danger. On a warm, clear Tuesday night in early August, residents of Dunkirk and Fredonia had a great opportunity to see that for themselves.

“It’s a beautiful day, the sun is shining, it seemed like a lot of people wanted to come out and have a good time,” said Fredonia Police Officer Ben Kravitz on Tuesday evening.

Dunkirk and Fredonia each hosted a National Night Out celebration, an event held by police departments and first responders across the country to promote positive engagement between local departments and their communities.

“The focal point of an event like this is to get the police involved with the community so that young kids can realize we are their friends, we’re not the bad guys. We’re here to help them if they ever need us,” Kravitz said.

Fredonia’s event, which began at 5 p.m. at Russell Joy Park, featured many amenities for a crowd that grew as the night went on.

Fredonia police officer Ben Kravitz dances with a child during the National Night Out event on Tuesday at Russell Joy Park.

“We had a lot of fun things to do here — some bounce houses for the kids, a DJ, free food — pizza, doughnuts … and then a bunch of cool cops,” Kravitz said with a smile.

The event was the second of its kind for Fredonia since its return a year ago. Fredonia Mayor Douglas Essek stressed the importance of the event.

“We look to make sure the community understands that our first responders are part of the community. They can trust and talk to them and rely on them,” he said. “I look forward to many more years of this continued success.”

Dunkirk’s event followed Fredonia’s at 6:30 p.m. at Washington Park. Tuesday marked the 29th consecutive year for the event in the city of Dunkirk since its inception.

“It is the 29th consecutive year for the city of Dunkirk hosting this event here in the city. That’s something to be proud of, because not all communities have been doing it that long consecutively,” said Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas.

Six-year-old Piper Kane gets her face painted at the National Night Out event on Tuesday in Fredonia.

Like Mayor Rosas, Dunkirk Police Chief David Ortolano is proud of the event and what it represents for the community his department serves.

“The partnership we have with the community that we serve is outstanding,” Ortolano said. “This is a night when our police officers, our firefighters, we can interact with the community in a 100 percent positive way. Usually when you see a police officer, it’s not something good, but this is a night where we can interact positively with everyone from our little kids to our senior citizens here tonight.”

Dunkirk’s event featured live music — including an appearance by Mayor Rosas playing the bongo drums — as well as a movie at dusk, free food and drinks, bounce houses for the kids to play in and police officers handing out balls to play with.

“This is a very important event for our community because it provides them with the opportunity to interact with our police officers, as well as our firemen, in another environment. They can interact and meet each other and get to know each other,” Rosas said. “This is a family-friendly affair here, not just for kids but we encourage parents to be here, as well, so they can all interact together. … We’re all here together. We’re one community and it’s good to see everyone enjoying themselves together.”

One highlight the two events shared was an appearance from Mo Sumbundu, a representative from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office, who delivered an official proclamation from the State of New York signed by Hochul recognizing the efforts by local law enforcement and their engagement within their communities.

Five-year-old twins Cora English and Jacob English, along with their mother, Elizabeth English pose for a photo with Sparky in Fredonia.

“This year we have been blessed with having a representative from the governor’s office, Mo Sumbundu, here with us. I think that’s important, to know that the governor and the state level in Albany know we are hosting this event. For (Gov. Hochul) to send a representative to read a proclamation shows that they are paying attention,” said Mayor Rosas.

While the governor’s office was paying attention to the good work of the local police and first responders, so were the members of the communities in attendance.

“It’s a good community event. I think having the police department here to support the community and create a safe environment helps a lot. It’s good for children to be around,” said Elizabeth English, a mother who brought her five-year-old twins, Cora and Jacob, to Fredonia’s National Night Out event. “I think it’s important for my children to grow up respecting and feeling comfortable with the law, because you never know when they may need (the police) and I want them to feel comfortable with getting the help that they need.”

Tuesday night for Kravitz — who played a big part in organizing Fredonia’s event — was one of the best nights on the job.

“I’d much rather be doing stuff like this than out writing tickets. I’d rather see those smiles on the face, it’s nice seeing all the kids having a good time and their parents enjoying it,” said Kravitz. “I’m thankful for having a wonderful community to live in and work in. It’s definitely a blessing to work in a small community like this. It makes the job so much more enjoyable.”

Officer Emily Foy of the Dunkirk Police hands out balls to children at Dunkirk’s National Night Out event at Washington Park on Tuesday.

Essek, Rosas and Ortolano all praised the efforts of their local departments, volunteers and sponsors who helped make the event such a success in each community.

“It’s just a good night for the community to come together and think about public safety and think about what it takes to make that happen. We are very lucky that we have the community we do that stands behind us,” Ortolano said. “They support us 100 percent, and in turn we give 100 percent back to them for public safety.”

Pictured are the attendees from the Dunkirk community at the National Night Out event on Tuesday at Washington Park.


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Flint school board candidate slate will host ‘Meet and Greet’ events throughout August

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FLINT, MI — Five Flint Community Schools Board of Education candidates are hosting nine “Meet and Greet” events throughout the month of August.

The slate of candidates — Dylan Luna, Emily Doerr, Melody Relerford, Terae King Jr. and Michael Clack — are five of 15 registered candidates that will be on the ballot for five open positions in the Nov. 2 election.

Events will take place in all nine Flint wards. A schedule is listed below. Each event goes from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. unless otherwise listed.

Monday, Aug. 8: Clara Hilborn Park in Ward 1

Tuesday, Aug. 9: Windiate Park in Ward 9

Wednesday, Aug. 10: Kearsley Park in Ward 3

Saturday, Aug. 13: Court Street Village Office in Ward 7 (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.)

Tuesday, Aug. 16: Longway Park in Ward 4

Monday, Aug 22: Sarvis Park in Ward 2

Tuesday, Aug. 23: Sarginson Park in Ward 8

Wednesday, Aug. 24: Ballenger Park in Ward 6

Monday, Aug. 29: Dort Park in Ward 5

In total, nine candidates are seeking three six-year term seats, two are seeking a four-year partial term and four are seeking a two-year partial term on the Flint Board of Education.

Only Joyce Ellis-McNeal and Laura McIntyre are not up for reelection.

Read more at The Flint Journal:

Flint’s superintendent wants to ask the Mott Foundation for help. Will the board let him?

Swartz Creek superintendent Ben Mainka leaves for Novi school district

Masks recommended, not required at Flint schools’ first day

Board member walks out as tempers flare at Flint schools meeting

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Editorial | If America wants to host sports events …

Editorial | If America wants to host sports events …

After the World Athletics Championships ends in the United States city of Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday, among the things that must be urgently on the agenda of the sport’s governing body, World Athletics, is a serious consideration about whether the United States should be allowed to host future games, and under what conditions. This should be part of a broader review of the obligations of the countries that agree to put on international events, to ensure that participants have relative ease of entry into those states, including being awarded travel visas on a timely basis.

Getting American entry visas has been a big problem for many athletes at these games. In Jamaica, we are aware of the case of Chad Wright, the discus thrower, who, after a frustrating circle around the mulberry bush, only on Friday, the day the games opened, received a visa to enter the United States. Gregory Prince, a 400-metre runner, received his visa only two days earlier. He was similarly on a mad dash to Eugene.

But these are not the only, or even the most egregious, cases of America’s drip-and-dab doling of visas to foreign athletes after their countries selected them as national representatives. There was the embarrassment of the mere en passant mention by US television commentators, during the heats for the men’s race, that Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, the African record holder, and the third-fastest man over the distance so far this year, arrived in Eugene just three hours before he had to hit the tracks. Mr Omanyala received his visa at the last minute. He had contemplated missing the games.

Other big names, such as the Côte d’Ivoire’s Marie-Josée Ta Lou, complained of the frustrations of applying for visas and having to wait for late or last-minute responses from US authorities. “How did they expect the athletes to perform well?” Ms Ta Lou asked in a tweet.

‘COMFORT’ LETTER

At one point, South Africa had 10 athletes stuck in Italy, who, eventually, travelled to the United States under a ‘comfort’ letter, with a promise that they would be issued visas when they arrived in America. Indian athletes, too, had visa problems.

US officials have not spoken definitively to the issue, although there are suggestions that a major part of the problem was the backlog of the visa applications because of the COVID-19 pandemic, when countries shut down international travel. That, however, is not a sufficient excuse. Nor is it enough for athletics officials and other apologists to claim that the issue affected less than one per cent of the more than 5,500 athletes and officials attending the games.

“We’ve battled to do as much as we possibly can,” said Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics. “And we’ve been doing this now for some months. And, of course, there are political complications about nations being able to travel and nations coming into the United States.” This, too, is inadequate.

Most of the cases were not akin to what would apply to athletes from, say, Russia, which, as a country, was rightly or wrongly excluded from these games. And it is especially noticeable that the athletes who had problems were primarily from developing countries, and mostly people of colour.

Moreover, this problem, the denial, or grudging award, of visas to members of sport teams from developing countries of colour is not new. It happens across a range of sporting disciplines. In Jamaica, it is a case not infrequently faced by footballers. Basketball players, too, have been affected.

LACK OF TRANSPARENCY

What is particularly frustrating is the seeming arbitrariness, and the lack of transparency, in the decision-making of American consular officers. Usually, the athletes themselves, and the sporting bodies that select them in good faith and as the best performers in their disciplines, are given no reasons for visa denials. There is often a sense of grovelling when athletes and their sporting associations have to appeal the decisions.

We appreciate America’s right to determine who crosses its borders, and to be careful in the protection of its security. However, if the United States wants to host global sporting events, its sporting associations have to ensure that participants have a reasonable expectation of entry, and that their visas will be processed in a timely and orderly and non-discriminatory manner, taking into account the timing of national selection processes for participants. This might require greater coordination between America’s sports organisations and their foreign policy, border and homeland security apparatus. And have a clear criteria for entry. It might help, too, if the Americans, as part of their outreach in other countries, provide national sporting bodies with a transparent process for the issuing of visas.

Or perhaps we should all just play golf – or tennis.

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Lubbock Library to host events for all ages

Lubbock Library to host events for all ages

LUBBOCK, Texas (PRESS RELEASE) – The Lubbock Public Library is hosting various events this week, from arts and crafts projects to an adult comedy night.

The events are as follows:

Musical Storytime at Mahon Library on Monday, July 18 from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Sing along to popular nursery songs with Charley and her ukulele! This fun interactive program will introduce children and caregivers to an assortment of musical books, songs, nursery rhymes, rhythmic activities and ear training! This program is geared towards children ages 0-7, but all are welcome to attend at Mahon Library, 1306 9th Street. For more information, call 806-775-2835.

“Game On!” at Patterson Branch Library on Monday, July 18 and Thursday, July 21 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Come to the Patterson Branch Library, 1836 Parkway Drive, for an afternoon of board games and video games for grades K-12. For more information, call 806-767-3300.

Upcycled Books: Tiki House Part 1 at Godeke Branch Library on Monday, July 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Part 1 of our Tiki House will focus on upcycling books into little tiki huts at Godeke Branch Library, 5034 Frankford Avenue. Registration required. Call 806-775-3362 to reserve your spot! Registration for this craft registers you for both parts 1 and 2! This craft is for ages 13 and up.

In-Person Storytimes at Lubbock Public Library 

Come to preschool storytime at the library! This week’s schedule is:

  • Mahon Library (1306 9th Street), Tuesday, July 19, 10:30 AM
  • Patterson Branch Library (1836 Parkway Drive), Tuesday, July 19, 11:30 AM
  • Groves Branch Library (5520 19th Street), Wednesday, July 20, 10:30 AM
  • Godeke Branch Library (5034 Frankford Avenue), Wednesday, July 20, 12:30 PM
  • Godeke Branch Library (5034 Frankford Avenue), Thursday, July 21, 10:30 AM
  • Groves Branch Library (5520 19th Street), Thursday, July 21, 11:00 AM

Parenting Cottage Storytime at Godeke Branch Library on Tuesday, July 19 from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join us for a special storytime at the Godeke Branch Library, 5034 Frankford Avenue. Each family will receive a free copy of the book “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” by Tiger Tales while supplies last courtesy of the Parenting Cottage. For more information, call 806-775-3362.  

Knit With Us at Groves Branch Library on Tuesday, July 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Please join us for an afternoon of knitting at Groves Branch Library, 5520 19th Street. We will meet every Tuesday afternoon! All skill levels are welcome. Please bring your own needles and yarn. For more information, call 806-767-3733.  

Musical Storytime at Mahon Library on Tuesday, July 19 from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Sing along to popular nursery songs with Charley and her ukulele! This fun interactive program will introduce children and caregivers to an assortment of musical books, songs, nursery rhymes, rhythmic activities and ear training! This program is geared towards children ages 0-7, but all are welcome to attend at Mahon Library, 1306 9th Street. For more information, call 806-775-2835.

Teen Movie Night at Patterson Branch Library on Tuesday, July 19 from 4:30 p.m. to  6:45 p.m.

Join us for a teen event at Patterson Branch Library, 1836 Parkway Drive. We will be watching In the Heights (PG-13, 2021). Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 806-767-3300.

True Crime Book Club at Mahon Library on Tuesday, July 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

We will be discussing “Murder in the Neighborhood: The True Story of America’s First Recorded Mass Shooting” by Ellen J. Green. Call 806-775-2835 or stop by your local branch for titles and to reserve a copy of the book today! Ages 18+ Located at Mahon Library, 1306 9th Street.  

Musical Storytime at Patterson Branch Library on Wednesday, July 20 from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Sing along to popular nursery songs with Charley and her ukulele! This fun interactive program will introduce children and caregivers to an assortment of musical books, songs, nursery rhymes, rhythmic activities and ear training! This program is geared towards children ages 0-7, but all are welcome to attend at Patterson Branch Library, 1836 Parkway Drive. For more information, call 806-767-3300.

Dungeons and Dragons at Godeke Branch Library on Wednesday, July 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play Dungeons and Dragons, or are looking for a group to play with-look no further! Join us for a one-shot campaign for a fun, after-hours night of dice rolling at Godeke Branch Library, 5034 Frankford Avenue. For Teens, grades 6-12. Registration required, so call 806-775-3362 to register!

Musical Storytime at Groves Branch Library on Thursday, July 21 from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Sing along to popular nursery songs with Charley and her ukulele! This fun interactive program will introduce children and caregivers to an assortment of musical books, songs, nursery rhymes, rhythmic activities and ear training! This program is geared towards children ages 0-7, but all are welcome to attend at Groves Branch Library, 5520 19th Street. For more information, call 806-767-3733.

Murder Mystery at Groves Branch Library on Thursday, July 21 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

There has been a murder at the masquerade ball. Join us as we investigate and solve this crime at this after-hours event for teens at Groves Branch Library, 5520 19th Street! Free light refreshments provided. Registration required. Call 806-767-3733 to reserve your spot! This event is for teens, grades 6-12.

Sharpie Mugs at Mahon Library on Friday, July 22 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Come design and decorate a Sharpie mug at Mahon Library, 1306 9th Street. We’ll provide Sharpies and one mug per teen participant. Space is limited, so call 806-775-2835 to reserve your spot! This is a teen event.

Adult Comedy Night at Mahon Library on Friday, July 22 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Enjoy a hilarious evening of stand-up comedy provided by Laugh Hub City at Mahon Library, 1306 9th Street. This after-hours show is just for adults, so leave the kiddos at home! Ages 18+. For more information, call 806-775-2835.

Robin’s Nest Tutoring at Godeke Branch Library on Saturday, July 23 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The library is pleased to announce in-person tutoring for K–12 students at Godeke Branch Library, 5034 Frankford Avenue. This is free tutoring for a variety of subjects. Learn more and sign up at www.robinsnesttutoring.com. Walk-ins are also welcome. For more information, call 806-775-3362.

Copyright 2022 KCBD. All rights reserved. The above information was provided by the City of Lubbock Library.

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JEFFERSON PARISH TO HOST HEAD START JOB FAIR EVENTS

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JPSealGoldColor150x144.jpg

NEWS RELEASE

JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA

July 14, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JEFFERSON PARISH TO HOST HEAD START JOB FAIR EVENTS

JEFFERSON, LA – The Jefferson Parish Personnel Department, in partnership with the Jefferson Community Action Programs Department (JeffCAP), will be hosting two informational job fair events for all people interested in learning about job opportunities with Jefferson Parish’s Head Start program. The first job fair event will be on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at the Terrytown-Gretna Head Start Center (2315 Park Place, Gretna, LA 70056) from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The second job fair event will be on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at the Lapalco Head Start Center (2001 Lincolnshire Drive, Marrero, LA 70072) from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

These job fair events are intended to provide an opportunity to speak with Head Start representatives, obtain information about current jobs, and answer questions about the application process. Additionally, computers will be available for those who would like to apply onsite at both events.

“Taking care of children during their early years is one of the most rewarding careers. Jefferson Parish’s Head Start Centers provide not only great care, security and safety, but also high-quality education for our youngest children,” said JeffCAP Director Christi Langoni. “In addition to the joy and excitement of working with young children, a Head Start career offers excellent benefits, a reliable source of income, advancement opportunities, education assistance and flexible working hours. Having an impact on a child’s learning process is a rare and fulfilling privilege.”

Jefferson Parish Civil Service employment is an equal opportunity employer. Employment with Jefferson Parish Head Start Program offers meaningful work serving the youngest members of our community, career advancement, benefits, retirement plan, stipend for education, tuition reimbursement, paid travel expenses for seminars/conferences, potential annual salary increases, and up to a 10% salary increase within the first year and a half.

For more information, contact the Personnel Department at 504-364-2730. CLICK HERE for a video with more information about employment with the JeffCAP Head Start program.

For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.jeffparish.net. Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@JeffParishGov) or by texting JPALERT or JPNOTICIAS to 888-777.

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Jefferson Parish Public Information Office

1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 1002

Jefferson, LA 70123

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Partners invited to host nature-based events this fall in celebration of trees, bees, butterflies, and nature in our city.

The City of Austin’s Urban Forest Program has begun preparing for the 5th Annual Roots & Wings Festival and invites area nonprofits, City partners and other community groups to participate in this combined celebration of Arbor Day and Monarch Appreciation Day.

Area nature enthusiasts are encouraged to apply to host a Roots & Wings community event. This two-week festival, which is free to participants, offers many opportunities to bring the festival close to home and connect communities. Multiple City of Austin departments and external partners support this annual event. This year’s Roots & Wings Festival will focus on amplifying the efforts of the diverse organizations that help connect the Austin community with nature.

“This year, we’re excited to support events planned by organizations across our community,” said Emily King, the City of Austin’s Urban Forester. “By moving fully into this model, we know that the Roots & Wings Festival will have a greater reach and stronger cultural significance, allowing more of our Austin neighbors to reap the many benefits nature provides.”

Funding is available to help support community-led programming. Additional resources, such as marketing and programmatic support, are available to all accepted applicants. To be eligible for participation and potential funding, partners must submit completed applications by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5. Learn more about funding to help support community-led programming here. 

Participating organizations must plan to host events between Saturday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Nov. 5, and proposed events must align with the Festival’s mission of “celebrating Arbor Day and Monarch Appreciation Day and connecting all members of our community to nature by advancing equitable access.” Organizations that traditionally do not offer nature-based programming and those who work with communities in high-priority zones identified in the Community Tree Priority Map are strongly encouraged to apply.

Throughout its brief history, the Roots & Wings Festival has sought to better connect Austinites to trees, pollinators and nature. This year’s festival holds extra significance, occurring months after Austin earned its certification as a Bee City USA Affiliate, recognizing our community’s commitment to conserving pollinators.

Potential participants with questions can contact Jess Wright, Roots & Wings Festival Program Coordinator, at rootsandwings@austintexas.gov.

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CLIC to host second Dialogues for Reconcili-Action event – Energeticcity.ca

CLIC to host second Dialogues for Reconcili-Action event - Energeticcity.ca

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Cultural Learning & Innovation Circle will host its second Dialogues for Reconcili-Action event, facilitated by local author Christy Jordan-Fenton.

The event will be held on Wednesday, July 20th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 10511 100 Avenue. It will cover the history of residential schools and allow residents to participate in Project of the Heart, a hands-on art activity that aims to help folks process their emotions after learning about residential schools.

“There’s little wooden tiles and everybody’s invited to decorate one and then they get put together into like a big mosaic,” Fenton explained

“We’re hoping at CLIC that we’ll have a big mosaic of everybody who’s involved in the Reconcili-Action training that they can each decorate a tile and contribute to that,” Fenton said.

According to Fenton, Dialogues for Reconcili-Action is a smaller, workshop-like version of Reconcili-Action training, which is normally a three-day intensive course teaching residents how to take significant steps toward Reconciliation.

She says anyone is welcome to attend the Dialogues for Reconcili-Action event.

“Anybody’s welcome. They’re also family-friendly and age-appropriate. We’re hoping sort of just to get people more information and more tools to be more involved with reconciliation,” Fenton said.

Fenton says she has been invested in Reconciliation since 2010, facilitating numerous Truth and Reconciliation Commission Education Days and Orange Shirt Day events for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.