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True Colors Fashion: The Future is Now!

True Colors Festival

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 7 June 2021 - The Future is Now! unites some of the world’s leading tech companies and fashion brands with a diverse cast of models to present innovative creations. This video series – which includes an atmospheric pre-recorded runway show & revelatory conversations between cast members – now on the True Colors Festival YouTube Channel, captures human creativity at its best, and the endless possibilities that technology offers. Meet an ALS creator who makes art with eye movement input, see hearing aids worn as fashion, prosthetic blades for children, discover an ingeniously designed trench coat…and more. “Since the invention of computers, we have been able to solve problems with software, and it has become easier for people to connect with one another. In keeping with this idea, The Future is Now! sets the stage for diverse people to express themselves with fashion that’s empowered with technology,” says Yoichi Ochiai, renowned media artist and general director of the show. Participating models include Masatane Muto, a DJ with ALS who plays music with his eyes; Pippi, a deaf model who has graced ad campaigns and fashion runways; Hirotada Ototake, bestselling author of the memoir “No One’s Perfect” about his life without limbs; and Fumiya Hamanoue, a visually impaired Paralympic climber. Collaborating brands include Xiborg Inc. and SONY Computer Science Laboratory, both specialists in prosthetics enhanced with robotics; ONTENNA, which converts sound information into light and vibration; Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, the first major label to launch a full-fledged adaptive line; and KANSAI YAMAMOTO, the fashion house that has dressed luminaries like David Bowie. “I want to build a world in which not having the use of legs will not be an obstacle to running. I want to make running with a prosthetic leg a normal thing…for everyone,” says Ken Endo, founder of Xiborg Inc. and researcher at Sony CSL. The Future is Now! is the third part of the True Colors Fashion series produced by Kao Kanamori. The first two parts were launched in March this year: Clothes in Conversation, a documentary available to watch on YouTube and a photo exhibition at the annual Shibuya Fashion Week. Supported by Arts Council Tokyo, Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture and Aputure. Co-presented by DRIFTERS INTERNATIONAL. Visit: True Colors Festival website Contact Details True Colors Festival Media Contact hana@lightyears-comm.com Company Website https://truecolorsfestival.com/program/adaptive-fashion-show-diversity-tech-true-colors-fashion-the-future-is-now/

June 07, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Global investors back fintech KTrade - the ‘Robinhood’ of Pakistan

Stockwood Strategy

Leading Pakistani fintech stock trading app KTrade today announced it has raised $4.5m in a funding round from a range of global investors and institutions led by Hong Kong-based TTB Partners, and HOF Capital from New York. German fintech investor Christian Angermayer, the Managing Partner of German bank Berenberg David Mortlock, and leading Pakistani business families also participated in the round. KTrade is the fintech retail trading app created by KASB Securities, the leading stock brokerage in Pakistan. KTrade provides easy access to financial markets for retail investors much like its global peers such as XP in Brazil, Zerodha and Groww in India, Tiger in China, Flatex in Germany and Robinhood in the US. Since launching in 2019, KTrade has over 200,000 users and aims to reach 10 million Pakistani’s at home and abroad by 2023 to invest in stocks, bonds, commodities and mutual funds through its mobile platform. The Karachi Stock Exchange Index (KSE100) has rallied by 19% per annum over the past 20 years despite regular market cycles. The volumes have increased by 7x over the last 18 months driven by regulatory reforms and increase in retail investor participation. Retail investors now account for over 65% of overall trading volume compared to around 45% 24 months ago. KTrade aims to provide users quick and easy accessibility to this investment opportunity. Ali Farid led the creation of KTrade. He was previously the CFO of UK listed fintech company SafeCharge (acquired by Nuvei) and a Partner at Autonomous Research (acquired by Alliance Bernstein) in London. Ali is a Rhodes Scholar and has been a top ranked Technology Analyst in Europe since 2013. Ali Farid, Co-founder of KTrade commented: “People in Pakistan have traditionally turned to gold or real estate when they consider investment options. However, as the regulatory approach, authority and credibility of the Karachi Stock Exchange has grown, more people are getting comfortable with stock market investing. This is an exciting trend but accessibility to these markets remains a hurdle for millions. KTrade will enable this mobile-first population to participate in the investment opportunity. By connecting these people to companies we can drive capital trapped in unproductive assets into the formal economy which would eventually drive a virtuous cycle of economic growth and higher investments”. Pakistan is emerging on the radar of global investors as the next Indonesia. A large, young and growing middle class and high smartphone penetration have created ideal conditions for technology led disruption. KASB’s aim is to provide retail savers access to financial education, information and financial products and to help them make better financial decisions. “Most people in Pakistan lack access to formal financial products and their savings in real estate or gold offer inferior returns, are inefficient and have high transactional costs. We aim to democratise access to the capital markets and enable them to make stock market investments. The strong demand for KTrade shows that the market is ready for this transformation. Other regional and emerging markets have seen similar evolution led by successful fintech companies” added Ali Farid. “Pakistan and South Asia have some of the most exciting market dynamics and demographics globally, and KTrade is well positioned to take advantage of the democratisation of finance in the region” said Jonathan Bond, Managing Partner TTB Partners who were lead investors in the funding round. “We are delighted to be investing in the latest round of funding for KASB, and to support Ali and his first-class team on their continued journey. We have been extremely impressed by what KASB has built over the past few years, both from a tech perspective and from the educational overlay to investing, which the company has embraced. In particular, we believe that in KTrade, the company has a stellar solution to expanding stock market participation across Pakistan” added Jonathan Bond. About KASB Securities KASB is the leading stock brokerage in Pakistan. It is a member of the Pakistan Stock Exchange and Pakistan Mercantile Exchange and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. KASB’s mission is to democratise investments by giving people in Pakistan easy access to financial information, education and products. It operates KASB Varsity, an online MOOC, and KTrade, the leading stock trading application in Pakistan. KASB’s goal is to channel capital to financial markets by broadening the breadth of the capital markets. Further information visit: https://kasb.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and through YouTube. Contact Details Stockwood Strategy Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://kasb.com/ktrade/

June 07, 2021 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Correct & Replace: Prepare to entertain in style with exclusive Provenance Signature Collection

Seasonal Living

(Replace Signature Trends with Seasonal Living). Backyard living is taking a trendy turn as more homeowners extend their living space with luxury furniture, and Seasonal Living will be launching a unique collection at spring High Point Market this June. The Provenance Signature Collection will be available for preview at the Hight Point Spring Market from June 5-9 in the Seasonal Living Showroom (InterHall # IH-506). Orders will start shipping in late September. The collection has been exclusively designed for Seasonal Living by the creative director of Four Point Design Build, Laura Muller. Muller is an internationally recognized, award-winning designer, builder, author, and advocate for the interior design profession. Her knowledge and experience in promoting wellness coupled with nature-inspired designs are intended to promote positive feelings and experiences that happen with and or around this collection. “Seasonal Living is beyond thrilled to be working with Laura Muller of Four Point Design & Build,” Seasonal Living CEO Gary Pettitt said. “Laura has created such a beautiful (and timely) collection that personifies not only her exceptional talent as a designer but a collection that seamlessly moves between indoor or outdoor living specification.” A recent report uncovered that 78% of people are looking to upgrade their outdoor space right now. As homeowners prepare to start entertaining again, post-pandemic, the trend has been toward creating a paradise in the backyard. Luxurious furniture, elegant fixtures, and deluxe appliances are the new status symbols. Designing a stylish and relaxing outdoor space brings together the natural desire to get outside with the comfort of the indoors. “When designing the new exclusive Signature Collection for Seasonal Living, I wanted to create an Indoor/Outdoor Collection that was truly seamless and flexible in both spaces (not only in product design but in the material and color palette selections), said Laura Muller, Owner, CEO and Creative Director, Four Point Design Build Inc. “Given what the world has experienced over the last year, I was very mindful in my design intentions toward easy product care and product longevity, as well as creating flexible timeless pieces that would endure the test of time.” Invoking restful tranquility, the Provenance Signature Collection is intended to augment a wellness experience in any environment. The designs reflect the intimate and abstract intersection of land and coast, and architecture and nature. Few furniture collections provide a truly seamless indoor and outdoor experience, but Provenance Signature pieces enable designers to easily create highly personalized, relaxing environments with fluid transitions between inside and outside spaces. “This Collection is intended to celebrate my deep connection to nature and the timeless California architecture of my youth, and for the many beautiful memories spent with family on the coast of California,” explains Muller. “My hope is that buyers will sense (in the designs) all the wonderful and familiar natural elements that speak to me from a lifetime in Southern California,” adds Muller. In this collection, the designer and Seasonal Living have worked closely together over a 15-month period to embrace not only the values of responsible environmental stewardship but also in selecting materials that provide our customers with years of easy product care, which highlights our emphasis on physical and mental wellness in creating products that require minimal care. Comprised of three main materials; Fiber-reinforced polymer, ceramic, and Outdoor Wicker, (High density polypropylene) the collection features neutral pieces that reflect elements in nature that provide a sensuous and healing experience, such as stone, sand, earth, fire, and water. “The Provenance Collection personifies Laura’s commitment to blending highly-refined design style with Wellness intentions to create an initial core collection that exemplifies the casually sophisticated essence of southern California living,” explains Pettitt. “Laura’s experience, professionalism, and enthusiasm working on this project have been a hurricane of fresh air.” To learn more about the collection, visit: http://bit.ly/Provenance-Collection or scan the QR Code below. Follow Seasonal Living on Instagram at: @seasonal_living_trd ABOUT SEASONAL LIVING Seasonal Living is a 5x Arts Award winning manufacturer and importer of modern indoor/outdoor furniture, lighting and decorative accessories. Seasonal Living has been in business for 17 years and is well established in both the international residential and hospitality markets. Seasonal Living shown in Interhall at High Point Market for the past 10 years. Seasonal Living is known for its innovative use of sustainable materials in the production of their furniture as well as for supporting factories around the world that have been involved in small batch artisanal production for generations. In 2020, Seasonal Living Magazine launched the world's first virtual Designer Show House (a 20,000 SF residence is built entirely in the virtual world, set on 20 acres in Malibu, California overlooking the Pacific Ocean) in collaboration with 11 internationally known interior designers and 15 leading KBIS manufacturers. The floor plan reflects a forward-looking perspective on how homes will need to function in an uncertain future, based on the pandemic and changing priorities of luxury homeowners. For more information, click here to tour the Showhouse: https://www.seasonalliving.com/seasonal-living-magazine/. Follow Seasonal Living on Instagram at: @seasonal_living_trd ABOUT SEASONAL LIVING MAGAZINE Seasonal Living Magazine is a separately owned media asset of Gary Pettitt. It is a consumer facing luxury lifestyle shoppable digital magazine published 4 times a year. Its mission is to encourage people around the globe to live more in harmony with the 4 seasons of Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer, through inspiring images, articles and videos about all things seasonal with respect to Food + Recipes, Design, Wellness, Entertaining and Travel. The Summer issue, out now, is the 13 th edition of the Magazine this link: http://seasonalliving.com/seasonal-living-magazine. A printed copy of the Magazine is available in the Seasonal Living Showroom (InterHall # IH-506) at the June 2021 High Point Market. For more information and to view all 13 issues, visit: http://issuu.com/seasonallivingmagazine. Contact Details Shaun Thompson Shaun Marie Thompson +1 310-739-7489 Shaun@shaunthompsonpr.com Company Website https://www.seasonalliving.com/collection/provenance-collection/

June 05, 2021 03:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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NEW YORK INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL | JUNE 4-13 2021

Indo-American Arts Council

Contact Details Suman Gollamudi suman.gn@iaac.us Company Website https://iaac.us/

June 05, 2021 03:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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SIGMA America Announces Focused on the Fight 2021 Charitable Giving Campaign

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, a leading camera and lens manufacturer for both photography and cinema applications, is pleased to announce Focused on the Fight 2021. From May 31 through June 30, 2021, 5% of all sales at twenty-four participating retail partners will be donated to four charitable organizations, selected for their ongoing commitment to aiding communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Focused on the Fight raised over $93,000 for charitable organizations across the United States in partnership with eighteen participating retail partners, and this year, the campaign continues its mission to help provide aid to the communities that need it most. Focused on the Fight 2021 continues the commitment on SIGMA America’s part to community well-being, and funds raised during the campaign will be divided equally among the following charities: Feeding America, Mental Health America, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and Donors Choose. Each of these charities was selected based on their missions of community well-being. "Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, photography has been an outlet for people to express themselves, and to celebrate the strength of humanity in our communities," says Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of SIGMA America. "Our nationwide network of retailers are strong members of their local communities, and with their help – and the support of SIGMA fans – we can offer some measure of relief to their neighbors, and to people across the nation who need a helping hand." The participating dealers include: Arlington Camera B&C Camera Bedford Camera & Video Camera Casino Dodd Camera Glazer's Camera Hot Rod Cameras Hunt's Photo & Video Kenmore Camera Midwest Camera Milford Camera Murphy's Camera Pixel Connection Precision Camera PROCAM Pro Photo Supply Roberts Camera Rockbrook Camera Samy's Camera Schiller's Camera The Camera Company The Camera Exchange The Camera Mall The Camera Shop of Muskegon For the most up-to-date information on Focused on the Fight 2021, please visit: https://www.sigmaphoto.com/focused-on-the-fight-2021 Media Inquiries: Jack Howard / SIGMA.PR@sigmaphoto.com / 631 585 1144 ext. 1015 For information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog for helpful information about our products. Follow SIGMA America on social media: SIGMA Photo: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. SIGMA Cine: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About SIGMA Corporation Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and Sigma, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA Cine lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA cine lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production. Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp full-frame mirrorless digital camera, announced in July 2019. The introduction of the fp along with the availability of 20 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses in native L-Mount format demonstrates SIGMA's continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp and these lenses, even more shooters can now leverage SIGMA's renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease. Contact Details SIGMA Corporation of America Jack Howard +1 631-585-1144 SIGMA.PR@sigmaphoto.com

June 03, 2021 12:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Prepare to entertain in style with exclusive Provenance Signature Collection

Seasonal Living

Backyard living is taking a trendy turn as more homeowners extend their living space with luxury furniture, and Signature Trends will be launching a unique collection at spring High Point Market this June. The Provenance Signature Collection has been exclusively designed for Seasonal Living by the creative director of Four Point Design Build, Laura Muller. Muller is an internationally recognized, award-winning designer, builder, author, and advocate for the interior design profession. Her knowledge and experience in promoting wellness coupled with nature-inspired designs are intended to promote positive feelings and experiences that happen with and or around this collection. “Seasonal Living is beyond thrilled to be working with Laura Muller of Four Point Design & Build,” Seasonal Living CEO Gary Pettitt said. “Laura has created such a beautiful (and timely) collection that personifies not only her exceptional talent as a designer but a collection that seamlessly moves between indoor or outdoor living specification.” A recent report uncovered that 78% of people are looking to upgrade their outdoor space right now. As homeowners prepare to start entertaining again, post-pandemic, the trend has been towards creating a paradise in the backyard. Luxurious furniture, elegant fixtures, and deluxe appliances are the new status symbols. Designing a stylish and relaxing outdoor space brings together the natural desire to get outside with the comfort of the indoors. “When designing the new exclusive Signature Collection for Seasonal Living, I wanted to create an Indoor/Outdoor Collection that was truly seamless and flexible in both spaces (not only in product design but in the material and color palette selections), said Laura Muller, Owner, CEO and Creative Director, Four Point Design Build Inc. “Given what the world has experienced over the last year, I was very mindful in my design intentions towards easy product care and product longevity, as well as creating flexible timeless pieces that would endure the test of time.” Invoking restful tranquility, the Provenance Signature Collection is intended to augment a wellness experience in any environment. The designs reflect the intimate and abstract intersection of land and coast, and architecture and nature. Few furniture collections provide a truly seamless indoor and outdoor experience, but Provenance Signature pieces enable designers to easily create highly personalized, relaxing environments with fluid transitions between inside and outside spaces. “This Collection is intended to celebrate my deep connection to nature and the timeless California architecture of my youth, and for the many beautiful memories spent with family on the coast of California,” explains Muller. “My hope is that buyers will sense (in the designs) all the wonderful and familiar natural elements that speak to me from a lifetime in Southern California,” adds Muller. In this collection, the designer and Seasonal Living have worked closely together over a 15-month period to embrace not only the values of responsible environmental stewardship but also in selecting materials that provide our customers with years of easy product care, which highlights our emphasis on physical and mental wellness in creating products that require minimal care. The collection will be available for preview at the Hight Point Spring Market from June 5-9 in the Seasonal Living Showroom ( InterHall # IH-506 ). Orders will start shipping in late September. Comprised of three main materials; Fiber-reinforced polymer, ceramic, and Outdoor Wicker, (High density polypropylene) the collection features neutral pieces that reflect elements in nature that provide a sensuous and healing experience, such as stone, sand, earth, fire, and water. “The Provenance Collection personifies Laura’s commitment to blending highly-refined design style with Wellness intentions to create an initial core collection that exemplifies the casually sophisticated essence of southern California living,” explains Pettitt. “Laura’s experience, professionalism, and enthusiasm working on this project have been a hurricane of fresh air.” To learn more about the collection, visit: http://bit.ly/Provenance-Collection or scan the QR Code below. ABOUT SEASONAL LIVING Seasonal Living is a 5x Arts Award winning manufacturer and importer of modern indoor/outdoor furniture, lighting and decorative accessories. Seasonal Living has been in business for 17 years and is well established in both the international residential and hospitality markets. Seasonal Living shown in Interhall at High Point Market for the past 10 years. Seasonal Living is known for its innovative use of sustainable materials in the production of their furniture as well as for supporting factories around the world that have been involved in small batch artisanal production for generations. In 2020, Seasonal Living Magazine launched the world's first virtual Designer Showhouse (a 20,000 SF residence is built entirely in the virtual world, set on 20 acres in Malibu, California overlooking the Pacific Ocean) in collaboration with 11 internationally known interior designers and 15 leading KBIS manufacturers. The floor plan reflects a forward-looking perspective on how homes will need to function in an uncertain future, based on the pandemic and changing priorities of luxury homeowners. For more information, click here to tour the Showhouse: https://www.seasonalliving.com/seasonal-living-magazine/. Follow Seasonal Living on Instagram at: @seasonal_living_trd ABOUT SEASONAL LIVING MAGAZINE Seasonal Living Magazine is a separately owned media asset of Gary Pettitt. It is a consumer facing luxury lifestyle shoppable digital magazine published 4 times a year. Its mission is to encourage people around the globe to live more in harmony with the 4 seasons of Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer, through inspiring images, articles and videos about all things seasonal with respect to Food + Recipes, Design, Wellness, Entertaining and Travel. The Summer issue, out now, is the 13 th edition of the Magazine this link: http://seasonalliving.com/seasonal-living-magazine. A printed copy of the Magazine is available in the Seasonal Living Showroom (InterHall # IH-506) at the June 2021 High Point Market. For more information and to view all 13 issues, visit: http://issuu.com/seasonallivingmagazine. Contact Details ShaunThompsonPR Shaun Marie Thompson +1 310-739-7489 Shaun@shaunthompsonpr.com Company Website https://www.seasonalliving.com/

June 03, 2021 06:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Exclusive “Awesome” First Look at THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD

YourUpdateTV

YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology – Now that LEGOLAND ® California Resort is back open after being closed for 13 months, the family theme park in Carlsbad, CA, is excited to announce the opening of THE LEGO ® MOVIE™ WORLD. Recently, LEGOLAND ® California Senior Media Relations Manager, Jake Gonzales, and Head of Public Relations at Merlin Entertainment, Julie Estrada, teamed up to share an exclusive first look at the new attraction and provide tips on what to know before planning your next trip. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/etg50475M_s THE LEGO ® MOVIE™ WORLD will drop visitors into the quirky, frenetic and manic world of Emmet Brickowski, Wyldstyle, UniKitty and Benny the Spaceman from “THE LEGO® Movie™” film franchise. Attractions include: Emmet’s Flying Adventure - This new flying theater ride is the biggest new attraction in THE LEGO ® MOVIE™ WORLD! Join Master Builders on a triple decker flying couch, as cutting-edge technology transports you all over THE LEGO ® MOVIE™ universe. Surrounded by a full-dome virtual screen, you'll feel like you're flying through a world created completely from LEGO bricks! UniKitty’s Disco Drop - This all-new drop tower ride will take you through a rainbow-filled journey based on Unikitty and her many moods. Swoop to the tiptop of Cloud Cuckoo Land, then drop, spin and bounce back down to earth in sync with Unikitty’s wide range of emotions! Benny’s Play-Ship - Benny’s spaceship has landed right in the middle of Bricksburg! Play on this space-themed playground structure and get ready for takeoff! In addition to the new rides and attractions, guests can choose from a host of food and beverage options in THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD. Enjoy delicious homemade ramen, rice bowls and salads in the land's premiere restaurant, Everything is Ramen! After something sweet? You're sure to be satisfied by Cloud Cuckoo Crepes. Finally, Benny’s Rocket Fuel offers a selection of drinks and snacks, including ice cream, popcorn, and slushies. To learn more and to book your next visit, check out Legoland.com About Jake Gonzales: As a father of two girls and an avid traveler, Jake Gonzales is always looking for the best family travel tips to save money and make the most memorable experiences possible for his family. Gonzales is a Carlsbad native who represents LEGOLAND ® California Resort as an on-camera spokesperson providing his expertise on all the interactive activities, services and events the 22-year-old Resort has to offer. About Julie Estrada: Julie Estrada came to LEGOLAND ® California in 2003 after more than 13 years in broadcast news. A mom of two and world traveler, she currently is Head of Public Relations North America, Merlin Entertainments which owns more than 130 attractions globally and is the second largest attractions operator in the world. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 02, 2021 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Ridgefield CT Receives 1st State Cultural District Designation, Chamber Honors Local Heroes

Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce

The State Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) recently approved an application establishing a Cultural District in the Town of Ridgefield, making it the first municipality in the state to receive the prestigious designation. Former state representative John Frey proposed the initial law to allow designation of cultural districts in October 2019. In a release by the DECD/COA, DECD Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums Liz Shapiro said, “This program recognizes the essential role that local arts and cultural resources play in the building healthy communities over the long-term. I applaud Ridgefield for taking the initiative to establish the district and ensuring that arts and culture are at the heart of their planning efforts moving forward.” "The people of Ridgefield have long appreciated the abundance of arts and culture in our town. We are thrilled that the state also recognizes all that Ridgefield has to offer, by giving us the first Cultural District designation," noted long-serving Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi. Cultural Districts are walkable areas of a city or town that feature numerous cultural facilities, activities and/or assets. These vibrant areas draw visitors from other towns and states and serve as a hub for residents to congregate and interact. “Ridgefield’s diverse arts and cultural offerings are fitting and ideal for a Cultural District designation,” said Lisa Scails, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut. “We’re proud of their leadership and for being a model for other municipalities.” The Cultural District area holds numerous cultural assets including ACT (A Connecticut Theater), the Ridgefield Theater Barn, the Ridgefield Guild of Artists, the Ridgefield Playhouse, the Ridgefield Historical Society, the Ridgefield Library, the Prospector Theater, Ballard Park with its CHIRP summer concert performances, the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, RPAC art gallery, Thrown Stone theater group, Lounsbury House, the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center. News of receiving the Cultural District designation was especially uplifting to the town after weathering the social and economic effects from the 2020/2021 pandemic. The Ridgef ield Chamber of Commerce is hosting "Ridgefield Moves Forward" on June 10th featuring First Selectman Rudy’ M arconi’s State-of-the-Town Address and recognize businesses and individuals for their contributions to the community during the past year. The event will take place on the grounds of the beautiful Lounsbury House, beginning at 4pm. In addition to music provided by the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, there will be a variety of local eateries showcasing their cuisine including Tequila Escape, Stacey's Totally Baked, 850 Degrees, The Cake Box, Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant, Barn Door Restaurant and more. “We want this event to be a true community celebration” said Director Grossman. "The Chamber appreciates the support of our co-sponsors Addessi Jewelers, Wooster Hollow Café, Fairfield County Bank and Oak Ridge Waste & Recycling." The Chamber will recognize the following: Ridgefield Police Department Officers Ridgefield Fire Department and EMS Personnel Dick Aarons - Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) Ridgefield Arts Council Ridgefield Meals on Wheels RVNA Pamby Motors “I’ve said it before and will say it again- there are simply too many amazing organizations and people in town to award in one afternoon,” Executive Director Sarah Grossman said. “Our initial list went on for several pages! In the end we selected those who best represented their fields.” While everyone is invited by the Chamber, tickets are required and limited. Those interested in joining the event can purchase them at DestinationRidgefield.org. The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 organization established in 1966. The Chamber is an advocate and resource for business and nonprofits by advancing and promoting the economic vitality and quality of life in Ridgefield. Contact Details Sarah Grossman +1 917-613-3244 SGrossman@ridgefieldchamber.org Company Website https://www.destinationridgefield.com/

June 02, 2021 08:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Together Again: Grandparents and Grandchildren Reunite on Road Scholar Learning Adventures

Road Scholar

Beginning this summer, after more than a year of COVID-induced isolation from their grandkids, grandparents across the country are making up for lost family time by reconnecting with their grandchildren on a Road Scholar learning adventure. More than a thousand grandparents and grandchildren (and sometimes parents) are excited to reunite on one of Road Scholar’s specially designed Grandparent and Family programs in the U.S. and overseas. “Grandparents are thrilled to reunite with their grandkids, creating memories that will last a lifetime on Road Scholar learning adventures they experience together,” said James Moses, Road Scholar’s president. “The world’s reopening is a chance to reopen our lives to make the most of our time together with cherished family and friends.” This summer, Road Scholar will operate 43 unique Grandparent and Family learning adventures. Costa Rica is the most popular choice this summer, while the Ozarks, Poconos, Key Largo, and Vermont make up the top five listing, as follows: Top Five Grandparent/Family Programs in 2021 From Monkeys to Macaws: Colorful Costa Rica: 10 days from $2449/grandparent; $1999/grandchild Horses & Canoes: Summer Camp in the Ozarks: 6 days from $699/grandparent; $449/grandchild Animal Adventures in the Poconos: 6 days from $799/grandparent; $499/grandchild Snorkeling the Coral Reef in Key Largo: $1879/grandparent; $1199/grandchild Culinary Curiosities; Vermont’s Farmlands: 6 days from $1749/grandparent; $1149/grandchild While Road Scholar educational adventures begin to operate again this July, plans are underway for even more Grandparent and Family programs in 2022. “Next year, we will offer 57 Grandparent and Family programs and 234 departure dates,” said Mr. Moses. “And people are planning ahead. Interest is well beyond what we saw in 2019. We’ve already surpassed 1,500 enrollees for 2022.” For the safety of all, adults must be fully vaccinated and non-vaccinated grandchildren will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to attend a Road Scholar program. For more information about Road Scholar’s Grandparent and Family Programs, please visit www.roadscholar.org /grandparent or call (800) 454-5768. About Road Scholar Road Scholar is the nation’s largest not-for-profit educational travel organization for adults – a true university of the world. It offers thousands of programs in more than 100 countries and 50 states. Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, the world leader in educational travel since 1975. Learn more at press.roadscholar.org. Contact Details Road Scholar Chris Heppner +1 617-457-5422 Chris.heppner@roadscholar.org Company Website https://www.roadscholar.org

June 02, 2021 07:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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