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Events, celebrations planned Labor Day Weekend

Events, celebrations planned Labor Day Weekend

Daily Press file photo
The vintage sawmill is shown in operation at last year’s U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association Annual Show at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. This year’s starts Friday and runs through Labor day.

Local communities and groups are hosting a wide array of celebrations and events this Labor Day weekend. They include:

ESCANABA

Beginning Friday, September 2, the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association 47th Annual Show will be held on Labor Day weekend, September 2-5, at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba. Featured at the show this year are International Harvester, plus one of the largest indoor-outdoor flea markets in the U.P. and a knife and gun show.

There is a fee to enter, but children 14 and under are admitted free of charge.

Gates are open Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, September 3, 9 a.m to 5 p.m., Sunday, September 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, September 9 a.m to 4 p.m.

New this year is a barn dance on Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday 6 p.m.; Spark Show on Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m., weather permitting.

Tractor games are planned Saturday and a kids sawdust money hunt. Sunday events include tractor slow races, Hawaiian theme shopping cart decorating contest for kids 5-14. Carts will be provided and there will be cash prizes.

There will also be a barnyard theme trailer decorating contest. Any trailer that can be towed behind a tractor and/or lawn tractor can enter. There will be cash prizes for the winners. Participants must register for contests by 6 p.m. on Friday, September 2 by calling or texting Nicole Landers at 906-280-8453.

During the show there will be threshing, hay baling, rock crusher, drag saw, shingle mill and saw mill demonstrations in the Antique Village. Daily parades start at 1 p.m. and engine crank-ups start at 2 p.m. In Antique Village, the Cook Shack offers a selection of soups and sandwiches. The Ice Cream Shop serves up hand-dipped cones and floats. In the General Store attendees will find a variety of baked goods. A pie sale is located at the back of the indoor flea market in the Miracle of Life Building.

You will also find various other food vendors, arts and crafts vendors on the showgrounds.

For more information go to www.upsteamandgasengine.org.

— — —

The Escanaba Municipal Dock is the site for the Rock the Dock Labor Day celebration September 3, 4, and 5. On Saturday, September 3, Reflections will play from 6 to 10 p.m. On Sunday, September 4 Angels and Outlaws will play from 1 to 4 p.m. and Smooth will play 4:30 to 8 p.m.

On Monday, September 5, there will be a parade down Ludington Street at noon. The parade lineup at the marketplace downtown Ludington Street at 11 a.m. The Monument to Labor will be dedicated by the Delta County Trades and Labor at the Municipal Dock.

The band Sit Down Francis and play from 1 to 4 p.m. and We Ain’t Saints from 4:30 to 8 p.m. For the kids there will be bounce houses and petting zoo. There will be a golf ball raffle by the Delta County Trades and Labor Union. The City of Escanaba Recreation Department is selling only 600 golf balls with $5,000 in cash and prizes awarded. All proceeds are going to the Delta County Trades and Labor Charity/Scholarship Fund and the City of Escanaba Recreation Department. Refreshments and food vendors.

ROCK

Community members and organizations in Rock are hosting a variety of activities and entertainment throughout Labor Day weekend including a parade, midway food and games, and more than a dozen bands.

In addition to the Rock Lions Club Annual Labor Day Parade and festival on Saturday, Sept. 3, several rock and roll, rhythm and blues bands are scheduled to perform at two other local venues Sept. 2-4.

The Rock Senior Center is also hosting its annual rummage sale just west of Rock on Saturday, Sept. 3. The Rock American Legion Auxiliary will sell baked goods there. Rock Faith Food Pantry is holding a non-perishable food drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to “Fill the Gazebo” in town.

Local Lions Club members have been participating in work bees and have more setting up to do to prepare the grounds for the annual Labor Day Festival known for decades as “The largest small town celebration in the U.P.”

The annual celebration begins with a parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3. Parade participants can pre-register by calling 906-356-9040. Registration will also take place that day beginning at 10 a.m. at the fire hall on East Maple Ridge 37th Road, east of the lone flashing light in town. No theme is designated for the parade and no judging will take place.

Following the parade, the public is invited to the festivities taking place along the midway at the Rock Lions Clubhouse located at 14454 Highway M-35, just north of the flashing light in town. There will be food, beer, various games, a bean bag tournament, a kids tractor pull, cowpie bingo, a flea market, crafts, baked goods, and bounce houses on site. The local student robotics team will be demonstrating its skills for the public, also. A local D.J. service will provide tunes from noon to 4 p.m.

The Wells Lions food stand will offer a variety of food and refreshments.

The Rock Lions Club members have been selling 50/50 raffle tickets. Winners will be drawn at 3 p.m. Saturday. The “Share the Wealth” raffle will award 30 percent of the proceeds to first place, 15 percent to second place, and 5 percent to third place.

The public is also invited to attend 11 band performances Friday through Sunday, Sept. 2, 3 and 4 during the Second Annual Boogie Fest Too concert taking place five miles west of Rock at 14069 County Line G Road. In addition to the rock and roll, rhythm and blues music, there will be a pig roast, vendors, and a bucket raffle. The event contributes to a community emergency fund with a portion of its ticket proceeds.

Bands featured at this year’s Boogie Fest Too lineup include “Fyrbird” at 8 p.m. Friday. Performers on Saturday and Sunday include “Todd Michael,” “Sunset Strip,” “Copper Box,” “Cornfield Mafia,” “Next Myle,” “Eddie and the Bluesers,” “Dexter Rowe,” ‘Out Lawd,” “Howard Guitar Luedke,” and “TC Knuckleheads.”

Camping is also available at the music fest. On Sept. 2, a “Friday Fun Day” is scheduled and will include a campground parade, games, and an 80’s costume contest.

Ticket and camping information can be accessed at www.Boogiefesttoo.rocks or call 906-356-6191.

NAHMA

Nahma Labor Day celebration on September 4, 2022 begins at 11 a.m. with a parade. Charley MacIntosh is this year’s Grand Marshall for the Nahma Labor Day Celebration.

A car show will line up at the golf course for parade. For more information call Don at 644-2029.

The celebration will also include craft tables, beer and refreshments, raffles, kids games, bounce house, kids escape room, log sawing and nail pounding contest, cakewalk, horseshoe contest, corn hole contest and more. Food and refreshments will be available.

Live music will begin at noon with Backroads 906 and later the Mionor and The Elders. For more information 906-450-7175, 906-553-1027 or 906-420-5077

CEDAR RIVER

The Biggest Littlest Bridge Walk-The Cedar River BridgeWalk is Saturday, September 3. Festivities begin with music at 10 a.m. CDT at the Cedarville Township Hall on the north side of Cedar River on Old Mill Lane and across from the marina at the Cedarville Township Hall and Volunteer Fire Department

Opening ceremonies for the BridgeWalk will start at 11 a.m. CDT, with the walk beginning shortly after.

BridgeWalkers will find festivities, food, raffles and various vendors on the south side of the Cedar River Bridge.

Proceeds benefit Sportsmen with Heart, Cedar River Chapel and the Cedarville Township Volunteer Fire Department. This event is endorsed by MI Governor’s Council on Health and Fitness.

MACKINAC BRIDGE WALK – ST. IGNACE

The 2022 Annual Bridge Walk is Monday, Sept. 5. The Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic from 6:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, Sept. 5, to accommodate the 2022 Annual Bridge Walk.

For participant health and safety, the Mackinac Bridge Authority urges participants to follow CDC recommendations.

No bus transportation across the bridge will be provided. Walkers who decide to walk across the entire bridge will need to arrange their own transportation back to the end of the bridge where they started after the bridge reopens to public traffic at noon. There is limited parking space available west of the Mackinac Bridge Authority plaza area.

For those seeking alternative transportation during the event, the local Mackinac Island ferry companies offer transportation between St. Ignace, Mackinaw City, and Mackinac Island, as well as between St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. Local transportation companies also offer shuttle service between various locations.

There is no fee or registration required to participate in the walk. The walk begins at 7 a.m. You may start walking any time after the governor’s party starts the walk at approximately 7 a.m. No one will be permitted to start after 11:30 a.m., so make sure you arrive early.

The walk begins in St. Ignace at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge in the Upper Peninsula, and in Mackinaw City at the south end of the bridge in the Lower Peninsula. To participate in the walk you may:

– Walk form either end of the bridge, turning around at the midpoint and returning to the city you started from, where your transportation is located. The turnaround points will move towards the ends of the bridge beginning at 10 a.m., but walkers can walk at least a portion of the bridge if you start by 11:30 a.m. Walkers must be on the side of the bridge they wish to return to before 10 a.m. or you will be turned back.

– Walk from either end of the bridge and continue across to the other side. This option is most like previous bridge walks. However, since bus transportation across the bridge will not be provided, walkers who choose this option will need to arrange for their own transportation back across after the bridge reopens at noon. Walkers who do not reach the midpoint of the bridge before 10 a.m. will be turned back.

– Walk from either end of the bridge, continuing across to the other side, then walking back to the end of the bridge you started from. This option will mean a 10-mile round trip for participants. If walkers in this option do not reach the midpoint of the bridge on their return trip by 10 a.m. will be turned back.

Walkers will use the left-hand outside paved lane as they walk onto the bridge, regardless of which end of the bridge they start from. Walkers who turn back at the midpoint will turn right, then return using the opposite side outside paved lane. Walkers who choose to cross the entire bridge will stay in the left-hand outside paved lane all the way across.

The Michigan State Police and other official personnel will be available in the event of an emergency. For more information contact the Mackinac Bridge Authority by August 30, 2022 at 906-643-7600.



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Pace of local suspected drug deaths slowing, events planned

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Aug 27, 2022  •  28 minutes ago  •  3 minute read  •  Join the conversation

Fentanyl pills.
Fentanyl pills. Photo by Gavin Young/Postmedia

Community events marking International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31 come amid a series of local deaths which have slowed this year over last.

Statistics show 28 people died by fentanyl or another opioid overdose in Grey-Bruce last year. But those are just coroner-confirmed cases.

There were actually 46 suspected drug deaths in Grey-Bruce last year but the cause has not been confirmed in all cases. So far this year there have been 20 suspected drug deaths, Grey Bruce Health Unit figures show.

Comparing May, June and July, there were eight suspected drug deaths last year and four this year.

So the pace of suspected drug deaths has slowed this year, said Alexis Cook, the health unit’s harm reduction manager responsible for responding to the opioid problem.

There was another suspected fatal opioid overdose in Owen Sound Thursday. The health unit has issued three overdose alerts this month, triggered when there are three or more overdoses in a 48-hour period.

The person who died was in his or her mid-30s and Cook noted people aged 25 to 44 are three times more likely than any other age group to experience a fatal drug overdose. Local and provincial data both show that, she said.

Fatal drug overdoses peaked in 2020 during the pandemic, when more than 2,400 people in Ontario died. That was a 58 per cent increase over 2019, when 1,529 people died.

Cook said local figures indicate we all need to be aware of the ongoing drug overdose crisis. People can help by being trained and carrying naloxone kits containing the drug which temporarily reverses an opioid drug overdose.

Also, people should know the Good Samaritan Act protects people from simple drug possession charges when 911 is called, she said.

Cook said the health unit is “currently working with community partners to build a response, as it is a priority for public health, and to increase our current response.” Public health nurses visited drug users in the community during each of the three overdose alerts this month, Cook said.

“The nurses went out and they did targeted outreach and ensured that individuals who were using drugs had access to naloxone . . . we hand out needles as well and we do meth kits and crack kits to ensure individuals are using as safely as possible.”

The nurses reminded them to use drugs with someone else present who can administer naloxone, or use while on the line with an operator with the Overdose Prevention Line, who will call 911 if the user becomes unresponsive, she said.

Naloxone is available free-of-charge at the health unit Monday to Friday and from community partners, including paramedics and mental health workers.

To mark International Overdose Awareness Day, there will be a community barbecue at Neyaashiinigmiing on Tuesday, the day before the official day for overdose awareness, from 2 p.m. until sunset, at Kina Waa Noojmojig Nanaweing Wellness Pavilion.

Owen Sound will have three events: a community barbecue from noon to 3 p.m. at Safe ‘n Sound drop-in centre, a barbecue and sacred fire from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre, and a candlelit vigil from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market parking lot.

Also Aug. 31, a candlelit vigil will take in Port Elgin at Coulter Parkette, and a candlelit vigil with speakers will take place in Hanover’s Hope Community Church from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., to which people are asked to bring a blanket or lawn chair.

“These events are a chance to stimulate discussion about substance use prevention, overdose prevention, available supports and evidence-based drug policies and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths,” Cook said in a news release. “It’s also a time for the community to mourn, in a safe environment, and remember the loved ones who have been lost.”

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Numerous National Dog Day events planned in Chesterfield

Numerous National Dog Day events planned in Chesterfield

CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WWBT) – As the dog days of summer near an end, Chesterfield County has big plans for National Dog Day on Friday.

Representatives from the county will be out and about at six locations with free swag for your furry family members, as well as opportunities to get professional photos of your pup.

You can visit the following locations during the day:

  • Goyne Park (5300 Ecoff Ave.) – 8:30-9:30 a.m.
  • Midlothian Mines Amphitheater (13301 N. Woolridge Road) – 8:30-9:30 a.m. (Pack Walk)
  • Rockwood Park (3401 Courthouse Road) – 8:30-10 a.m. (Free dog photos with registration)
  • Harry Daniel Park – Playground/Shelter 3 (6600 Whitepine Road) – 5-6:30 p.m. (Free dog photos with registration)
  • Clover Hill Dog Park (13900 Hull Street Road) – 6-7 p.m.
  • Fest Biergarten (7044 Woodlake Commons Loop) – 6-7 p.m. (Live Music and Pet Supply Drive benefiting Chesterfield Animal Services)

Visit experiencechesterfield.com/woof for more details on the sites and activities.

Copyright 2022 WWBT. All rights reserved.

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Festivals of Aloha events planned throughout Maui Nui

Festivals of Aloha events planned throughout Maui Nui

Princesses representing the Hawaiian islands ride a float during a Festivals of Aloha event in Kaunakakai town in 2019. WAYNE SHINBARA photo

The Festivals of Aloha will celebrate and showcase Hawaiian culture through in-person events across Maui Nui in September and October, organizers announced Wednesday.

This year’s theme is “Ku i ke ‘Aki — Stand Upon the Highest Point,” which is inspired by the state House of Representatives resolution that declared 2022 as the “Year of the Limu.”

Celebrations kick off next month and will include:

• Sept. 3: Festivals of Aloha Banyan Tree Ho’olaule’a in Lahaina, with exhibits, free keiki activities, local eats, Maui artists, Hawaiian music and hula. Entertainment will include Reiko Fukino, Cody Pueo Pata, Kaniala Masoe, 2022 Carmen Hulu Lindsey Falsetto Champion Lahela Park, Halau Keala Kahinano O Puna and Kason Gomes.

• Sept. 16: Aloha Friday celebration from 4 to 8 p.m. at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center with Hawaiian cultural exhibits, free keiki activities, Hawaiian music and hula.

• Sept. 24: The 20th Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Ki’eki’e Falsetto Contest at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Admission is required and tickets go on sale Sept. 5.

Festivals of Aloha events will also be held on different islands. On Oct. 1, Lanai will hold a parade at 10 a.m. and a ho’olaule’a from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with entertainment, cultural demonstrations and food. There will also be contests for lei, aloha attire and keiki art.

Molokai will hold a royal court investiture from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Mitchell Pauole Center and will continue the festivities the following day with a parade through Kaunakakai town from 9 to 11 a.m. and a ho’olaule’a at the Mitchell Pauole Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hana will also mark the Festivals of Aloha with a week’s worth of events:

• Oct. 15: Parade, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., entertainment, 1 to 3 p.m., sports night, 5 to 9 p.m., all at Hana Ballpark.

• Oct. 16: Fishing contest, Hana Bay, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.; play day, 1 to 3 p.m.

• Oct. 17: Traditional lei making class, Hana-Maui Resort, 3 to 4:30 p.m.; sports night, Hana Ballpark, 5 to 9 p.m.

• Oct. 18: Floral and lei contest, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., location to be announced; karaoke night, Hana Ballpark, 6 to 9 p.m.

• Oct. 19: Kupuna luncheon, Hana-Maui Resort, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Oct. 20: Talent show, Hana Bay, 5 to 9 p.m.

• Oct. 21: Taro contest, Hana Bay, 5 to 6 p.m.; ulu, pohole and poke contest; Po Hawaii and aloha attire contest, 6 to 10 p.m.

• Oct. 22: Cross country golf, Holani Hana, 2 to 4 p.m.; hoike night, Hana Bay, 5 to 10 p.m., advanced tickets required.

Events will also be held at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea:

• Oct. 28: Opening ceremony, 9 a.m.; exhibits in ballroom, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Hawaiian music in the foyer, 10 to 11 a.m.; artisans and makeke market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Oct. 29: Exhibits in ballroom, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; artisans and makeke market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; “Hula is the Heartbeat” celebration of hula and Hawaiian music, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

• Oct. 30: “Sounds of the Sea,” an afternoon of Hawaiian music on the ocean front lawn, 3 to 5 p.m.

Event dates and times are subject to change at any time. For updates, visit festivalsofaloha.com or facebook.com/FestivalsofAloha/. For questions, email sfdhawaii@gmail.com.


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Events planned for downtown Minot

Events planned for downtown Minot

The annual Fall Festival on Main will take place in downtown Minot on Sept. 17 from 10-5 p.m.

The free event will include bingo, bounce houses, street vendors, food trucks, a farmers’ market, music, games and the Dakota Cruisers car show.

On Sept. 22, starting at 5 p.m. will be the Troll Stroll, an 18-stop downtown wine experience.

Each stop on the Troll Stroll will have choice of wine or beer to pair with an appetizer from area eateries. Tickets are on sale for $60 and can be purchased at www.evenbrite.com/e/376680299917.



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Overdose awareness events planned for qathet region

Overdose awareness events planned for qathet region

In conjunction with International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, three events are scheduled for qathet region.

According to a media release from qathet Community Action Team (CAT), local communities are joining others around the world to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose.

Observed on August 31 every year, participants seek to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces harms associated with drug use. Community members are invited to the following events: noon to 2 pm, a lunch made with love at the Community Resource Centre; 3 to 6 pm, grand opening of ?aȷǐmɛt Harm Reduction Circle in Tishosem in Tla’amin Nation; 8 to 9 pm, a candlelight vigil and drumming circle on the grass at Willingdon Beach.

In 2021, despite the disruption caused by COVID-19, hundreds of awareness day events were held in at least 37 countries to raise awareness of one of the world’s most urgent public health crises.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s most recent world annual drug report, nearly half a million people around the world died as a result of drug use in 2019. Early statistics and anecdotal evidence for the 2021 calendar year show that the situation is becoming ever-more critical, exacerbated in many areas by the pandemic decreasing the tolerance of people who use drugs and disrupting both services and the drug supply chain.

Educational events

Rachel Driedger, youth CAT coordinator, stated that starting at noon, the Community Resource Centre will open to the public for a lunch made by a community member who has experienced great losses due to poor public drug policy. Announcements by SUSTAIN (Substance Users Society Teaching Advocacy Instead of Neglect) will be part of the gathering, as will live music performed by Tommy Sings.

“Our hope is to promote education and solidarity instead of stigma and isolation, and to celebrate those who are still here,” added Driedger.

According to Courtney Harrop, coordinator for ?aȷǐmɛt Harm Reduction Circle, this event will be the grand opening of the new program and space.

“We are hosting our event to coincide with International Overdose Awareness Day, and it will include our grand opening, an ‘honouring our loved ones’ ceremony and community barbecue,” stated Harrop. “We will also be participating in Moms Stop the Harm’s empty chair campaign. We will have guests from Moms Stop the Harm as well as the First Nations Health Authority.

“Mental health support will be provided onsite for those who need it, and we will have a resource and information table, including naloxone, set up about harm reduction and the toxic drug crisis.”

Monument coordinator Maggle Gisle stated that organizers are looking for family and friends of loved ones who have passed away from the toxic drug supply in the community.

“Let’s bring people together who want to make a memorial monument built with family and friends speaking about loved ones who passed away from fentanyl overdoses, recorded for others to hear.” stated Gisle. “We need a list of family and friends who have an interest in this project as soon as possible. We also need persons who can help create a monument where you push a button and hear a loved one’s story.”

Those wishing to help can email Gisle at maggygislemoon13@gmail.com.

“I am happy to be in the position to provide space to support the resilience and grief of those most affected by the overdose and toxic drug supply crisis,” stated Deagan Crawford, Community Resource Centre (CRC) coordinator. “I believe this is a time where we can come together as a community to honour the loss of friends and family as well as find ways to stand together in solidarity not just on this day, but everyday.

“I want the CRC to support community by promoting education, activism and awareness, and to move away from fear generated by stigma that feeds isolation and hopelessness for many folks in our community. I want every single person who enters the CRC to know they are loved, welcome, and that their presence on this earth is valuable and irreplaceable.”

 

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Welcome Week events planned at Penn State Harrisburg | Penn State University

Welcome Week events planned at Penn State Harrisburg | Penn State University

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Penn State Harrisburg is planning several events to welcome students to campus for the fall semester. Extending through the first week of classes, Welcome Week activities are intended to welcome back returning students and help new students become engaged with campus life and the surrounding community.

The full slate of events can be found at harrisburg.psu.edu/welcome-week.

New students have many signature mandatory events scheduled for them throughout the first weekend on campus, including Move-In Day on Friday, Aug. 19 and Saturday, Aug. 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., New Student Convocation on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 3:30 p.m. in the Capitol Union Building (CUB) Gym, Playfair on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the CUB Gym, educational sessions and residence hall meetings.

A welcome and Convocation T-shirt giveaway for all incoming students will take place on Aug. 20 and Aug. 21 from 9 to 9:30 a.m. in the Kulkarni Theatre. 

There also will be events and information sessions intended for returning, off-campus and international students.

Some Welcome Week events scheduled include:

Friday, Aug. 19

  • Friday Night Social — Includes yard games, music and food.  (Capital Village Quad and Community Center, 7 to 10 p.m.) 

Saturday, Aug. 20

  • Choose Your Adventure — For all students; students will be able to choose from several activities including a fitness class, trip to Target or Walmart, crafts, tour to find classrooms, and games. (Check-in will be at the Student Enrichment Center (SEC) Living Room at 9:30 a.m.)
  • Off-Campus Student Check-in and Gathering — A social for students to connect with each other. (SEC Lobby, 4 to 5:30 p.m.)
  • Residence Life Block Party — An evening of music and giveaways. (Capital Village Quad, 7:30 to 10 p.m.)

Sunday, Aug. 21

  • Choose Your Adventure — (SEC Living Room, 9:30 a.m. to noon)
  • All incoming students:
    • Convocation from 3:30 to 5 p.m. — CUB Gym (Mandatory)
    • Paw Photo at 5:15 p.m. — (SEC Lawn)
    • Convocation Celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Free food and live music (Vartan Plaza)
    • Outdoor Movie: “Dr. Strange” at 8 p.m. – (SEC Lawn)

Monday, Aug. 22

  • First Day of School Photos —  Photos, coffee, pastries and Penn State cookies. (Olmsted Atrium, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Tuesday, Aug. 23

 Wednesday, Aug. 24

  • PAC Giveaway — PSU Pennant (Olmsted Atrium, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
  • Kickball and Intramural Games — (Turf Field, 9 to 11 a.m.)

Thursday, Aug. 25

  • Lawn Games — Corn hole, ladder ball, badminton and Frisbee disc. (Vartan Plaza, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
  • Mike Super — Magic and illusion show, register via Engage.  (Kulkarni Theatre, 7 to 8:30 p.m.)
  • Drag Bingo — (Stack’s Stage, 9 to 10:30 p.m.)

Friday, Aug. 26

  • Breakfast with Student Affairs — (Olmsted Atrium, 9 to 11 a.m.)
  • Late Night Activities at the CUB — (CUB, 9 p.m.)

 Saturday, Aug. 27

  • PAC Trip to Hersheypark — Register via Engage. (Olmsted Parking Lot, 10:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
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NYC Black Pride events planned in commemoration of 25th anniversary

Celebrate NYC Black Pride All Weekend

New York City Black Pride is returning this month with a days-long slate of engaging events, including an awards ceremony, a beach day in Coney Island, discussions, and several free activities. This year’s NYC Black Pride is particularly significant because it will be the 25th anniversary.

“There is pressure to make it special just by the nature of the landmark event that it is,” Lee Soulja-Simmons, who spearheads the annual NYC Black Pride events, said during an interview with Gay City News. “The last two years, we have been in various forms of lockdown and other health restraints and concerns, so we are allowed to do so many things we couldn’t do last year and in 2020.”

While there is a busy schedule of events, Soulja-Simmons carefully acknowledged the reality of multiple coinciding health concerns, including the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the monkeypox outbreak. Soulja-Simmons, who has had calls with city and state health officials about monkeypox, emphasized that the response to the health crisis must be equitable and without stigma targeting LGBTQ individuals.

While the events officially kick off on August 17, there will be an August 11 town hall called “Black, Queer, and Here,” which will explore intersectionality in the Black LGBTQ community. The event, produced by Native Son, will feature Nancy Santiago from the surgeon general’s office; comic and Saturday Night Live writer Sam Jay; TV personality Kalen Allen; Hope Center executive director Lena Green; Councilmember Chi Ossé of Brooklyn; and theGrio contributor Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey.

The official NYC Black Pride events will kick off on August 17 with “Healthcare as a Human Right,” a discussion focused on wellness, at the LGBT Center at 208 West 13th Street in Manhattan. The free event will kick off at 5 p.m. and conclude by 9:30 p.m.

The evening will continue with an opening mixer at 10 p.m. at Lambda Lounge, which is located at 2256 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard in Manhattan. Like the healthcare discussion, the opening mixer will be free to attend.

There will be two more events on Thursday, August 18 — including another free discussion at the LGBT Center from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday’s discussion is called “Reflections: The souls of Liberation.” Nolan Tesis will host the event alongside eight panelists: Micah Marquez, Lady Pearl, George Bellinger, Cheryl “Jus Shady,” Tim Lanvin, Luna Khan, Duchess LaWong, and Charly Dominguez.

The second event of the day is “TRAPPY HOUR: Black Pride” at 4 West, which is located at 303 West 127th Street in Manhattan. That event begins at 10 p.m. and lasts until 4 a.m.

Friday’s festivities will begin with Hoodstock at the Christopher Street Pier at 393 West Street. The free afternoon event will begin at 2 p.m. and finish up at 6 p.m.

At 5 p.m., folks will gather for one of the main events, The Heritage Image Awards Ceremony at The Schomburg Center at 515 Lenox Avenue at 135th Street. The honorees for the free event include Ceyenne Doroshow, the executive director of GLITS; “Pose” star Michaela Jaé Rodriguez; and actress, model, and dancer Leyna Bloom.

The night will close out with “FUSION/Part 1” — which will feature a cover charge. The event, beginning at 10 p.m. and ending at 4 a.m., will be held on 7 East 36th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue.

Saturday will be another busy day on NYC Black Pride’s 2022 schedule. The Black Pride Expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at The Times Square Center at 242 West 41st Street. The events also include a trans bodybuilding competition at the Theatre at 11 a.m., a blackout music concert at The Hall at noon, Mr. and Miss Black Pride International at the Theatre at 4 p.m., and a Black Pride mini ball at The Hall at 5 p.m.

The night will wrap up with another Fusion event from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. at 42 D’OR at 512 West 42nd Street in Manhattan.

NYC Black Pride will conclude on Sunday, August 21, beginning with “Pride at the Beach” from noon to 8 p.m. at Coney Island Beach at the boardwalk and 21st Street. There will be a show at 6 p.m. featuring Inaya Day, Susu Bobien, and Octavia Lambertis.

The last event will be “Fusion: The Finale” from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Club Lambda at 1031 Grand Street in Manhattan.

The events throughout the week are expected to highlight the 25th anniversary of NYC Black Pride. New York’s Black Pride events followed in the footsteps of other cities that had already established similar festivities beforehand.

“The idea of having a Black Pride started in DC and LA and other cities first,” Soulja-Simmons said. “New York’s came about 25 years ago, and that’s important because this is such a big city and the population here in itself warrants a huge celebration… so we’re excited about it.”

Although some Pride events are known to represent a party atmosphere, Soulja-Simmons stressed the cultural aspect and explained that Black Pride festivities represent an opportunity to shine a light on queer people of color.

“I think people misunderstand what Black Prides are — why Black Prides are booming around the world,” Soulja-Simmons said. “It’s about celebrating people of color. We have history, and we have contributed to all parts of society. A lot of accomplishments are not in history books and are not talked about. This is a way to celebrate the amazing contributions that we’ve given to the world from the perspective of LGBTQ people.”

To learn more about NYC Black Pride, visit NYCBlackPride.com.

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Luau-themed events planned at San Bernardino County Library branches

Luau-themed events planned at San Bernardino County Library branches

The San Bernardino County Library offers Library Luau events at seven of the 32 county library branches in August.

The events feature a variety of crafts, a balloon artist, a face painter, a special character visit and more. For every 15 items checked out during the events, library patrons will earn a lei and an opportunity drawing ticket for a chance to win prizes, according to a news release.

The events are free and open to all ages.

The Library Luau events are scheduled at the following libraries:

• Running Springs Branch Library, 2677 Whispering Pines, Running Springs: 1-3 p.m. Aug. 6 and 20.

• Newton T. Bass Library, 14901 Dale Evans Parkway,  Apple Valley: 4-6 p.m. Aug. 9.• Lewis Library and Technology Center, 8437 Sierra Ave., Fontana: 4-7 p.m. Aug. 9.

• Sam J. Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center. 7863 Central Ave., Highland: 4-6 p.m. Aug. 10.

• James S. Thalman Library. 14020 City Center Drive, Chino Hills: 4-6 p.m. Aug. 11.

• Hesperia Branch Library, 9650 Seventh Ave., Hesperia: 4-7 p.m. Aug. 18.

• Lake Arrowhead Branch Library, 27235 Highway 189, Blue Jay: 2:30-4 p.m. Aug. 27.

There are also luau-themed paint night programs planned in August. They are 3:30-5 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Running Spring Branch Library; 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Rialto Branch Library, 251 W. First St., Rialto; and 2-3:30 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Yucca Valley Branch Library, 57271 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley.

For information about the San Bernardino County library system and other county library programs, go to sbclib.org/ or call 909-387-2220.

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Shoreline clean-up volunteer events planned for Thornbury

Shoreline clean-up volunteer events planned for Thornbury

There are clean-up days planned on three Mondays in July and August, anyone is welcome to volunteer.

Georgian Bay Forever is looking for volunteers to help with some upcoming shoreline clean-up events in Thornbury.

The Town of The Blue Mountains is supporting Georgian Bay Forever’s efforts to host the clean-up events at Little River Park in Thornbury.

The group hosted two shoreline clean-up events early this summer at the Thornbury Harbour that resulted in 28 pounds of garbage being collected. That included over 600 cigarette butts, 115 plastic fragments (many from zip ties) and over 56 pieces of fishing line.

Three additional dates have been scheduled in July and August and Georgian Bay Forever is looking for volunteers to help with the clean-up efforts.

The events will be held on Monday, July 25, Monday, August 8 and Monday, August 22 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

“All materials will be provided for volunteers to safely complete a shoreline clean-up. The clean-ups happen rain or shine, unless of course there is severe weather,” said Ashley Morrison, project manager for Collingwood Divert and Capture: the fight to keep microplastics out of our water. “I will add that we are still looking for microfibre filter volunteers in Blue Mountain, Wasaga Beach and Collingwood to help divert microplastics away from our waterways.”

Anybody interested in volunteering can contact Georgian Bay Forever at plastics@gbf.org or visit the website.

Georgian Bay Forever is a charity dedicated to scientific research and public education on Georgian Bay’s aquatic ecosystem. Its mission is to protect, enhance, and restore the aquatic ecosystem of Georgian Bay by funding accredited research on water levels, water quality, and ecosystems; by educating the public and governments on issues regarding the environmental protection, conservation, the safety and preservation of the water and the natural features of the Georgian Bay area of Ontario; and by enhancing the public’s appreciation for their environment.