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Focusing on Urban Renewal and Industry Transformation Shijingshan Events on CIFTIS 2022 Kicks off

BEIJING, Aug. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — From August 31st to September 5th, the 2022 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) will be held in Beijing.

Taking this platform, Shijingshan will give full play to the advantages as the host, seize the precious opportunities of the post Winter Olympics era and the “four revivals” of the new Shougang, and focus on creating a new landmark of urban revitalization of “Together for a Shared Future” initiative. With the theme of urban renewal and industry transformation, a series of summit forums, exhibitions, and business networking events will be carried out, integrating commercial resources, natural resources, industrial sites with summit forums, dedicated exhibitions, and various supporting events. Shijingshan will open up to the world and the world will see Shijingshan with a greater view.

Gather Global Intelligence and Exchange Insights on Urban Renewal and Industry Transformation

Urban renewal and industry transformation are the new trends and new priorities for urban development, and an important support for a city to achieve high-quality development.

As the core of the “1+N” summit forum, the 2022 Shijingshan Urban Renewal and Industry Transformation Forum will be held on the afternoon of September 2. With the theme of “Together for a Shared Future”, the forum is cohosted by People’s Government of Shijingshan District and Shougang Group and organized by ADG Expo. Leaders of the government, representatives of foreign embassies in Beijing and international organizations and enterprises, renowned experts and scholars in related fields, and other guest from home and abroad are invited. The forum will focus on topics such as planning and leadership, scientific and technological innovation, green and low carbon, consumption vitality, financial support. By examining these fields, the forum will attempt to interpret the development direction of urban renewal, explore the roadmap for industry transformation, and provide intellectual support for Shijingshan to build a new landmark of the capital revitalization in the new era, and strive to create a new chapter of establishing the west gate of the capital city. During the forum, an online live streaming platform will also be set up to fully upgrade the online and offline integration and create an immersive and fresh experience for the participants.

During CIFTIS, Shijingshan will also hold several parallel forums. The Qiaomengyuan Beijing Forum is jointly hosted by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, Beijing Returned Overseas Chinese Federation, and the People’s Government of Shijingshan District. With the theme of “Overseas Chinese Create a Common Future with Collective Intelligence”, the forum will discuss the strategies and pathways of how overseas Chinese enterprises and innovation can be integrated into the development of the capital city in the new era. The international forum, jointly hosted by Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, People’s Government of Shijingshan District, Beijing Association for Science and Technology, and Beijing NGO Network for International Exchanges, will focus on the development of emerging urban sports industries and urban revitalization with the theme of “Emerging Urban Sports Industry and Urban Revitalization”. The 2022 China International Finance Annual Forum, jointly hosted by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Finance, the Operation Management Department of People’s Bank of China, Beijing Banking and Insurance Regulatory Bureau,  Beijing Securities Regulatory Bureau, People’s Government of Shijingshan District, People’s Government of Chaoyang District, and People’s Government of Shunyi District, aims to exchange ideas on open cooperation, green development, and digital transformation in the financial industry around the theme of “An Open, Integrated, and Green Future”. With the theme of “Guard the Economy and Promote the High-quality Development of the Insurance Industry”, the 2022 China Insurance Industry High-Quality Development Forum, co-hosted by Beijing Municipal Bureau of Finance, Insurance Association of China, and People’s Government of Shijingshan District, will exchange insights on trending topics such as the high-quality development of the insurance industry and insurance industry facilitating social governance. The first China Life Service Industry Development Conference, sponsored by People’s Government of Shijingshan District and hosted by China Chain Store & Franchise Association, with the theme of “Franchising and Digitalization Lighting Up a Better Life”, will unveil a heart-warming business dialogue on the upgrading of the life service industry, China’s economic development, and community services.

Integrate Multi-dimensional Resources and Build a Multi-disciplinary Platform

Shijingshan will give full play to the advantages as the host, integrating commercial resources, natural resources, industrial sites with dedicated exhibitions, and various supporting events to establish a large-scaled platform for exhibitions, exchanges, and cooperation for all parties in a multi-dimensional manner.

In terms of dedicated exhibitions, Shijingshan will demonstrate the all-round regional features and style. “The Promised land, Duo Olympics District in Western Beijing, a New Landmark of Urban Revitalization” cultural and tourism service exhibition will focus on the integrated development of cultural industry and cultural tourism, manifesting the achievements of the district’s transformation and development in recent years and its new image as the landmark of the capital city’s revitalization in the new era. Twelve cultural enterprises, including the Sky Limit Entertainment and Changyou.com (Sohu), will make a presence in the exhibition. The dedicated exhibition of financial and insurance services with the theme of “An Open, Integrated, and Green Future” will focus on the innovation achievements of Shijingshan as the national financial industry pilot zone and the development of Beijing Banking and Insurance Industry Park. China Everbright Bank Credit Card Center, Postal Savings Bank of China Credit Card Center, Huaxia Bank Credit Card Center, Sunshine Consumer Finance, Bob-Cardif Life Insurance Beijing Branch, and Guobao Life Insurance Beijing Branch will participate in the offline exhibition, and more than ten financial institutions will participate in the online exhibition. A special exhibition of sports services with the theme of “Shijingshan – the Duo Olympics District” will showcase the achievements of the Winter Olympics. Seven companies and representative organizations including SWIX, International Ski Federation (Switzerland) Beijing Liaison Office, and Tus Ice and Snow will participate in the exhibition.

Shijingshan will also hold various supporting events during CIFTIS. On the evening of the main forum, themed investment networking sessions will be held, bringing together important guests and business representatives of CIFTIS to closed-door meetings with promotion presentations of industries, parks, projects, and companies. The Shijingshan Reception Room will select representatives of key exhibitors and internationally renowned enterprises to exchange ideas and to network for possible partnerships. The Business Visits will organize visits with different themes, such as overseas Chinese businessmen, cultural tourism, and investment promotion, targeting the key exhibitors. It aims to attract them “walking into Shijingshan” via accurately targeted presentations and investment promotions. “Metaverse” + consumption events will gather the commercial zones in the district to create a “Metaverse” virtual consumption scene with Shijingshan characteristics, such as Shougang “Duo Olympics” themed shopping event, Xishan Yongding River cultural shopping event, etc. It aims to build an integrated consumption ecology and improve the capacity of international consumption.

Shijingshan, the Promised Land in Western Beijing, with a Visionary Plan to the Future

The western part of Beijing shoulders the responsibility of industry transformation and urban revitalization. Driven by the Beijing Winter Olympics, Shijingshan has achieved a magnificent transformation from a traditional heavy industry zone to a green high-end city. Shijingshan has comprehensively promoted urban revitalization, led the overall revival, created a new landmark of urban revitalization of “Together for a Shared Future” initiative, and established the west gate of the capital at a high level.

As early as the end of 2018, the Shijingshan District Committee and the People’s Government of Shijingshan District formulated and issued a high-end and high-quality three-year action plan. Now a “1+3+1” high-end industry system has been established. It is strategically led by the modern financial industry, featured by the cultivation of the technology services industry, the digital innovation industry, and the new generation technology industry, and supported by relevant high-end business service industry.

In addition, the construction of “One Axis and Four Parks” in Shijingshan has been pushed forward with high quality. “Chang’an Golden Axis” has formed a new “Three Cards + Consumer Finance” pattern with the completion of 250,000 square meters industry base in North Xin’an. The planned completion rate of Beijing Banking and Insurance Industry Park exceeds 80%. National Financial IC Card Testing Center, China Banking Insurance Information Data Platform, and other key national financial infrastructures, as well as many subsidiaries of   banking tech companies have settled here, illustrating a “High-end, Green, and Exquisite” image of the park. Zhongguancun Shijingshan Park gathers more than 860 national high-tech enterprises, focusing on cultivating industries such as scientific and technological services, digital creativity, and the new-generation information technology. The construction of the new Shougang Park has been accelerated. Among them, more than 100 entities in the fields of “sports +”, cultural creativity, and artificial intelligence have settled in the southeast area, which has become China’s science fiction industry cluster and Metaverse. The development of the cultural and creative parks is another feature of the district. Beizhong Science and Technology Cultural and Creative Park has been included into the    municipal pilot project of “Old Factories into Cultural Space”; Shougang Park and Langyuan Park have been rated as municipal-level cultural industry parks, becoming one of the must-go spots in the west of Beijing. By 2025, it is expected that the revenue of high-end industries in Shijingshan will reach 345 billion yuan.

Shijingshan, the promised land of western Beijing, is looking forward to your visit. Let’s experience the new landmark of urban revitalization.

SOURCE Asia Digital Group

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Muskoka Pride Week kicks off next week with full slate of events

Muskoka Pride Week kicks off next week with full slate of events

Following two years of restrictions, organizers are ‘beyond thrilled to once again host the annual Festival and Parade in downtown Bracebridge’

NEWS RELEASE

MUSKOKA PRIDE COMMUNITY

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Muskoka Pride has announced that the 2022 Muskoka Pride Week will run from July 14 to July 24. The annual week of activities celebrates the Muskoka lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community. 

This year’s Pride celebration is a return to pre-pandemic events, including the first Festival and Parade since 2019, explains Merv Taylor-Morin, president of Muskoka Pride. 

“For the past two years, we have continued to celebrate Pride Week in smaller ways, following the COVID restrictions in place at the time. We are beyond thrilled to once again host the annual Festival and Parade in downtown Bracebridge this year,” Taylor-Morin said.

Muskoka Pride board member Shawn Forth explains: “It is so important for members of the LGBTQ+ community to see themselves represented in the greater community. When you identify as LGBTQ+ and grow up in a small community, you can feel isolated and as if you are the only one. It is important for there to be LGBTQ+ visibility in our communities.” 

Forth explains that just last month, Muskoka Pride donated rainbow benches to all municipalities in Muskoka to help ensure a year-round visible symbol of the commitment to diverse and inclusive communities. The funding was provided through the District of Muskoka’s Community Enhancement grant. 

IN-PERSON EVENTS 

Muskoka Pride Week will feature in-person events throughout Muskoka over 11 days. 

Pride Week starts off with the theatrical production Twelfth Night by Timberbeast Productions on Thursday, July 14, at the Gravenhurst Wharf gazebo. 

The party starts on Friday, July 15, with Disco Muskoka. In partnership with the Huntsville Theatre Company, Muskoka Pride is hosting a disco party at Canvas Brewery in Huntsville. Tickets are available on the HTC website. 

Pride Church Services will be held on July 17 at Trinity United Church in Gravenhurst and on July 24 at Bracebridge United Church.

On Thursday, July 21, Bracebridge Hall will host MQFF After Dark, a film screening for 19+ which features films from this year’s Muskoka Queer Film Festival that could not be broadcast due to content. Tickets are available on the Muskoka Pride Website or pay at the door. 

FLAG RAISINGS 

All municipalities in Muskoka will be raising the Progress Pride flag on Monday, July 19. Members of the public are encouraged to join us for ceremonies at their local municipality office to celebrate the annual flag raising. 

DRAG SHOWS 

Muskoka Drag Royalty is holding four events this year, including Drag Trivia at Bracebridge Barrelhouse on July 18, a 19+ show at Sawdust City Brewery on July 22, and two all-ages shows on July 20 and July 24. 

FAMILY EVENTS 

Muskoka Pride has taken great care to ensure that many events are geared toward the entire family. Many families participate to show their allyship with the community, to support their LGBTQ+ family members, and as an opportunity for their families to experience their first Pride Festival. 

The annual Six Mile Lake boat parade will take place on Saturday, July 16, at 6 Mile Lake in Georgian Bay Township, starting at 1 p.m. 

The annual Rainbow Road Tour on Sunday, July 17, which was first introduced during the pandemic, will take place again. It is a great opportunity for the entire family to tour around Lake Muskoka. This year’s route will incorporate some of the newly installed rainbow benches and will end with a BBQ and musical performance at Muskoka Brewery. 

Tuesday, July 19, is Pride Night at the Muskoka Drive-In. Featuring three short films from the Muskoka Queer Film Festival (MQFF) and the feature film Dawn, Her Dad, and the Tractor, tickets are available on the Muskoka Pride website or pay cash at the gate.

On Thursday, July 21, the 10th annual Muskoka Pride Mini-Golf Tournament will be held at Northern Escapades Mini Putt. Families and individuals can golf for a special rate between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and try for their chance at the trophy. 

Two Drag Shows are planned, which are aimed at all ages: Wednesday, July 20, a Driveway Drag Show is planned at a private residence in Bracebridge, and the Memorial Park Drag Show is planned as part of the annual Pride Festival on Sunday, July 24. Both shows feature many local performers from Muskoka Drag Royalty. 

Muskoka Bay Resort is hosting a Pride Pool Party on Saturday, July 23, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. It will feature live music, games, prizes, and food. Admission is free. Please contact the resort to add your name to the guest list. 

FESTIVAL AND PARADE 

For the first time since 2019, Muskoka Pride will host the annual Pride Festival in Memorial Park on Sunday, July 24t, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring vendors, live music, and activities for the family. The band Dirty Little Swing Thing will be performing under the bandshell, and local singer Briar Summers will be performing on a second stage. Muskoka Drag Royalty will be hosting a drag show starting at 2:30 p.m. 

The annual Pride Parade will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Manitoba Street. This year, the parade will be starting at Memorial Park and going through downtown Bracebridge. 

Everyone, no matter how you identify, is welcome to attend Muskoka Pride events. 

Muskoka Pride receives funding from the Government of Canada through the Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage grant. 

We would like to thank our Silver Sponsors: The Town of Bracebridge, YWCA Muskoka, TD Ready Commitment, Muskoka Bay Resort, and Deerhurst Resort. We would also like to acknowledge our Bronze Sponsors: McMaster’s Muskoka, Lakeland Networks and our Media Sponsor: Star Metroland Media. 

To see a full schedule of events, visit this website or click “Events” on the Muskoka Pride Facebook Page.

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Holyoke kicks off green infrastructure events Saturday

Holyoke kicks off green infrastructure events Saturday

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -On Saturday, the city of Holyoke kicked off a series of events on “green infrastructure” storm water management. The event, part of a three-part series offered by the City of Holyoke, celebrated facilities that manage rainfall using plants.

Western Mass News attended Saturday’s event at the Holyoke Library, where we caught up with the Director of Conservation and Sustainability, Yoni Glogower, who explained the project.

“These are facilities designed to intersect rainwater and let them absorb into the water instead of just cart them directly into our sewer system,” Glogower explained.

Glogower said the rain garden at the Holyoke Library was installed back in 2012. The goal of the green infrastructure project is to bring improvements and maintenance to the rain gardens while also helping to educate the city.

Rain gardens help to prevent pollution by keeping chemicals and other debris from our roads out of our water systems, like the Connecticut River.

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Earth Week kicks off with events around Chicago area

Earth Week kicks off with events around Chicago area

Earth Week has kicked off with many events around the Chicago area leading up to Earth Day on April 22.

With raging wildfires, rising floodwaters and destructive storms, the world keeps seeing worsening effects of the climate crisis. 

But instead of getting overwhelmed, this week is about getting to work.

“We need to get beyond gloom and doom into things that are very simple. Sometimes that can make a difference,” said David Husemoller, Sustainability Manager, College of Lake County.  

At the College of Lake County, they brought in a rap activist to kick off Earth Week as one of many new ways to talk about issues such as plastic use.

“Not everybody wants to hear a chemist talk about that and some people are more artistically inclined, so we’re reaching vastly different audiences,” said Husemoller.

At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, one Earth Week event brings home an alum who is now a Harvard law professor, and has argued several climate change cases in front of the Supreme Court.

“If you want to really find the source of the problem. I don’t think it’s fair to blame the Supreme Court. I think the real source of the problem is Congress,” said Professor Richard Lazarus, Harvard Law School.

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Lazarus says the high court wants Congress to change laws, but that deadlocked body hasn’t passed an air pollution law since 1990.

The theme of Earth Day this year is “Invest In Our Planet” and Lazarus says many businesses are doing that by moving away from coal and gas because it’s good business.

“Why were the companies doing it? Because they’re a big environmentalist? No, they were doing it because it was where the bottom line was.”

Friday is Earth Day, but there are events all week from spring-cleaning in Waukegan to a seed give away at Pullman National Monument. 

Plus, there are many clean-ups for communities, parks and forest preserves.

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Horticultural Society’s Plantasia kicks off spring with full weekend of events

Horticultural Society's Plantasia kicks off spring with full weekend of events

As spring enters full bloom in the Lowcountry, the Charleston Horticultural Society is bringing back its marquee festival.

The annual celebration, dubbed Plantasia, will take place April 6-10 offering walking tours, educational seminars and a full-day free-admission festival called the Green Market on April 9.  

“We get people from all over Charleston,” said Jennifer Garr, board president the Horticultural Society.

The celebration kicks off April 6 with a lecture at the Charleston Museum given by Rick Drake, celebrated horticulturalist and expert in urban greenspace.

All events throughout the weekend are open for seasoned horticulturalists and novice gardeners alike. 

The Green Market, held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, includes vendors, food trucks and workshops. It is expected to draw 1,000 to 1,200 people to Old Towne Creek County Park in West Ashley, Garr said. 

Attendees will find local vendors from nurseries, urban farms and garden supply stores. Repurposed pots and planters will be on sale and a knife sharpener will be on hand to sharpen garden tools. Attendees can even order plants or seedlings on the Horticultural Society’s website ahead of the Green Market and pick them up at the festival on Saturday. Experts will be available to give gardening and plant care advice.

“We also have some bunny topiaries just in time for Easter,” Garr said, adding that she expects them to sell out quickly.

Vendors include Haegur Maker’s Post, Meeting Green and the Green Heart Project.

Walking tours offered on Sunday will give attendees a chance to traverse Charleston’s most historic home gardens in Harleston Village, which passersby normally only catch a glimpse of through a gate or around a wall. The tour will also take viewers somewhere unexpected: The Medical University of South Carolina. 







Plantasia's Iron Trowel Contest features local designers (copy)

The Plantasia Eve Party in 2017 featured a window box decorating contest. Attendees at the 2022 event can expect similar activities at the Green Market on Saturday, April 9. File/Staff



A pioneering doctor at MUSC and former dean of the College of Medicine, Dr. Jerry Reeves, led an endeavor to incorporate more greenspace for patients and staff at the medical campus. It culminated in the university’s signature arboretum and Pearlstein Healing Garden.

“In the midst of the city … you begin to have an oasis of natural beauty,” Reeves said.

More than 10 years later he is still at the helm of the program. MUSC docents will be on hand during the tour to offer a insight on the benefits of greenspace on public health.

“Hopefully, (attendees) will find the same kind of solace and refreshment that our patients and staff do,” Reeves said.

The arboretum has become particularly important part of the fabric of the campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.







Foodscape tomato seed search.jpg (copy) (copy)

People attending a Charleston Horticultural Society workshop on foodscaping in 2018 flock to a table of free heirloom tomato seeds. At this year’s event, attendees can order plants, seedings and cuttings online to pick up at the Green Market on April 9 or purchase them on site. File/Staff


Organizers expect a high turnout for Plantasia, especially because the pandemic has spurred more people to take up gardening or tending to houseplants. 

“We do make special efforts to appeal to younger folks that might be getting their first plant,” Garr said. 

The horticultural society has even scoured TikTok to see what plant topics social media users are discussing the most.

“We know the chatter about houseplants is big now,” said Emily Topham, program coordinator for the Horticultural Society.







Plantasia (copy)

Shoppers survey offerings at the 2019 Plantasia event. This year it returns again at full capacity. The Charleston Horticultural Society replaced it with smaller scale events in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jess Black/Provided




For horticulturalists, sharing knowledge is one of the best parts of the event, Garr added.

“It’s just a part of your soul,” she said.

Last year the event took on a smaller form to accommodate COVID-19 health protocols. This year, it returns as a higher-capacity event. A pre-event luncheon hosted by the Horticultural Society already drew a considerable crowd, Garr said.

“We are expecting a lot of people to get out in the sunshine and get their plants,” Garr said. “People are going to be giddy to get out and about.”

While the Green Market is free and open to the public, the lecture and walking tours are for ticket-holders only. Prices range from $60 to $125. Charleston Horticultural Society members get discounted tickets. Find more information at www.chashortsoc.org/celebration-of-green or by calling 843-579-9922.

Get a weekly list of tips on pop-ups, last minute tickets and little-known experiences hand-selected by our newsroom in your inbox each Thursday.

Reach Emma Whalen at 843-708-5837. Follow her on Twitter @_emma_whalen. 

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NCAA kicks off Season 97 with men’s basketball, offers 3 other events

NCAA kicks off Season 97 with men’s basketball, offers 3 other events

As NCAA action tips off with men’s basketball in a bubble on March 26, the country’s oldest collegiate league also plans to hold women’s volleyball, online chess, and taekwondo

MANILA, Philippines – The NCAA returns after a two-year layoff with the Season 97 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, March 26, held inside a bubble at La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong.

Games will be held in a single-round format with double-header schedules every day except Mondays and Thursdays at 12 pm and 3 pm. The only difference will be the March 26 opening day games which will happen at 3:30 pm and 7:05 pm after the 2:30 pm opening ceremonies.

Kickstarting the league’s return to action will be the defending champion Letran Knights going up against the College of St. Benilde Blazers, followed by a classic rivalry battle between the powerhouse San Beda Red Lions and retooled Lyceum Pirates.

Apart from the star-studded opener, the NCAA blood feud between San Beda and Letran will also finally start a new chapter on April 12 at 12 pm.

Multiple key prospects will strut their stuff this season, like ex-UST star Rhenz Abando of Letran, former NCAA juniors MVP Will Gozum of CSB, Lyceum standouts Mclaude Guadana and John Barba, and former Batang Gilas star Rhayyan Amsali of San Beda.

After the basketball tournament, the league will also hold women’s volleyball, online chess, and taekwondo, the latter two of which were included in the virtual hosting of Season 96. Two major sports, athletics and swimming, are notably absent.

Women’s volleyball, and possibly the other two sports, will start around two weeks after men’s basketball. Due to the limited number of events, there will be no general championship.

There will also be no fans and cheering squads in attendance due to the full bubble setup.

However, things may change by the playoffs depending on the COVID-19 situation as the league is also eyeing the Mall of Asia Arena, the Araneta Coliseum, and the FilOil Flying V Centre.

“For two years, we’ve been waiting for contact sports to return, and we’re excited to have basketball and volleyball games back,” said Season 97 management committee chairman Dax Castellano.

“The preparations are still very challenging with the pandemic situation, but with the support of (television network) GMA, I know this will be a successful season.” – Rappler.com

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2022 SARM Convention and Trade Show kicks off Tuesday with in-person events | Globalnews.ca

2022 SARM Convention and Trade Show kicks off Tuesday with in-person events  | Globalnews.ca

After having to go virtual in 2021, the annual three-day Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) Convention and Trade Show is back to being an in-person event and that alone has both organizers and delegates alike feeling excited.

“We were fortunate that we still had good virtual connectivity — that’s something we’ve been working on in rural Saskatchewan, better internet, so it’s really important to our councils, but it great to be back,” said Ray Orb, SARM president.

The convention and trade show draws roughly 2,000 delegates and guests from across the province and provides SARM members the opportunity to gather “to vote on and debate resolutions, discuss current issues, and participate in dialogue sessions with provincial and federal government officials,” according to the association.

This year’s convention and trade show will be held from March 15-17, at the Queensbury Convention Centre at Evraz Place. Masks, proof of COVID-19 vaccinations, or negative COVID tests are not required.

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Read more:

SARM: Crime Watch seeks more volunteers to reduce crime in rural municipalities

One of the most notable discussions of the day was a ‘fireside chat’ between with Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan and a SARM member.

“When I look at Saskatchewan today, (compared to) 10, 20, 30 years ago, I’d say we’re on the right path,” Mirasty said.

“We hear more dialogue, there’s more acceptance, even with the land acknowledgements, you know those first being spoken of at different events,” he said when speaking about ongoing reconciliation efforts in the province.

Mirasty adds one of the best things about Saskatchewan is the diversity of not just the people here, but the land and work the province has to offer in terms of its different industries.

He also took time to thank the rural delegation for their hard work.

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Testing phase underway to see how new land access app works in rural Sask.

Another noteworthy presentation from the event introduced attendees to SaskLander, a recently released app designed to help landowners with trespassing issues.

“It’s a new online service with the vision to make land access management faster, more accessible and more accountable,” said Sauvelm McClean, SaskLander co-founder.

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SaskLander allows users to post the land they own on the app and then deny or give permission to those asking for access, whether that’s for recreational purposes or hunting.

The new app is intended to support changes made this year to The Trespass to Property Act, which requires members of the public to get permission from rural property owners before entering their land, provincial government officials said.

SARM and app founders are working on expanding the technology across rural areas in the province and it’s currently free to use.

SaskLander was developed through the provincial government’s Innovation Challenge program, where the local technology sector is engaged to identify and develop solutions for everyday challenges.

Day two of the event on Wednesday will be another busy one, with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and his cabinet in attendance for a ‘bear pit’ session.

The session gives rural municipality heads a chance to air their grievances and concerns in regards to what can be done to help improve rural life.

— with files from Global News’ Thomas Piller

© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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Father-Daughter dance kicks off series of family-building events in Princeton

Father-Daughter dance kicks off series of family-building events in Princeton

PRINCETON, Ind. (WFIE) – Oasis Assembly of God in Princeton held the town’s first Daddy-Daughter dance on Saturday.

Organizers say the idea was to try to regain a sense of family after the long stretch of many events getting canceled by COVID-19, which caused many people to miss out on getting together.

Community members made enough donations to make the dance free. Children from Kindergarten through fifth grade danced from 4-6 p.m. Sixth through eighth-graders then danced afterward from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

“We’ve got a bunch of giveaways for other businesses that have said they want to give a part to what we’re doing,” John Spencer, lead pastor at Oasis Assembly of God said. “Our hope is to let this be the kick-off, and then if we’re able to give someone a gift certificate to go to dinner, a dad will take his daughter to dinner and continue spending time together and building that relationship.”

Even though the event is called a Daddy-Daughter dance, organizers say that mothers, sons, uncles, nieces and other members of the family were welcome to attend. They say around 200 people were at the K-5 dance.

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