Author: jeff

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Unami

IHEC and UNAMI conclude lessons learned workshop [EN/AR/KU]

31 March 2022 – The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) concluded a four-day general lessons learned workshop. Throughout the workshop, which was held in Sulaymaniyah from 27-30 March, IHEC Board of Commissioners (BoC) and senior leadership together with senior officials from the UNAMI Office of Electoral Assistance (OEA) brainstormed on the challenges and lessons learned from the 2021 Council of Representatives (CoR) elections and agreed upon recommendations to turn weaknesses into strengths to further improve Iraq’s electoral processes.

Judge Jalil Adnan Khalaf, IHEC Chairman, noted that “After the successful implementation of 2021 Council of Representatives elections, IHEC has made itself ready to systematically assess its performance and identify areas for improvement throughout the institution. The outcomes of this workshop will set the ground for developing a comprehensive capacity building plan with the support of UNAMI. I extend my gratitude to UNAMI for its continued support”.

The workshop covered key thematic areas including legal, operational planning, public outreach and media, voter registration, training and procedures, procurement and logistics, field coordination, security coordination and election information and results managements. The exercise also provided an opportunity for a participatory, inclusive, and bottom-up institutional approach to post-election reflections and evaluations, contributing to the development of an institutional culture where dialogue and contributions are incentivized and promoted.

UNAMI OEA Senior Election Operations Adviser, Jawed Habibi, said that “The 2021 Council of Representatives election was an achievement for Iraq that was successfully conducted under leadership of IHEC with the technical assistance of UNAMI mandated by the UN Security Council. Despite this success, this enormous and complex process requires continuous improvement. I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm UNAMI’s full commitment in supporting IHEC in the execution of the recommendations of the lessons…

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Delaware Tribe

Movie to bring Mekinges story to the big screen – Hamilton County Reporter

Posted By: Fred Swift April 1, 2022

By FRED SWIFT

The epic story of Mekinges, the American Indian woman married to pioneer William Conner, will reportedly be made into a major motion picture thanks to state legislation offering tax incentives for movie makers who film in Indiana. Mekinges’ story is one of love, heartbreak, betrayal and redemption surrounding early Indiana relations between native Indians and white settlers.

Indiana is one of several states attempting more economic development by encouraging the multi-million-dollar movie industry to choose the state as the location for filming motion pictures.

The script for the Mekinges story is being written by native Hoosier Benjamin Snyder, an avid student of Indiana history. His idea of presenting the largely true story drew interest from film producers especially in a state that plans to offer incentives for such productions.

William Conner married Mekinges, daughter of a Delaware Indian chief, possibly to secure good relations with her father’s tribe. The couple had six children. But, in 1820 under provisions of the Treaty of St. Mary’s, the tribe was removed from Indiana to Missouri.

Mekinges felt she had to go with her father’s people and took the children with her on the lengthy trek. There she had to start over. She remarried, opened a trading post and successfully raised her children, one of whom became a chief in the Delaware tribe and another who became a Texas Ranger.

William Conner remained in Hamilton County, remarried and made considerable money in land speculation. Upon his death in 1855 his will provided no money to his former family despite earlier indications they would share in his estate.

Mekinges died about 1860 in the Oklahoma Indian Territory. It’s a true story and would make a great movie.

But, that will have to…

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Nanticoke

DNREC to Hold Rain Barrel Workshop April 9 in Blades

To Be Eligible For a Free Rain Barrel, Participants Must Live in Any of 12 Specified Delaware Watersheds

In conjunction with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s month-long celebration of Earth Day, DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship will host a rain barrel-building workshop on Saturday, April 9, at the Nanticoke River Marina, 26 Market Street, Blades, DE 19973.

Eligibility to participate in the workshop and receive a free rain barrel at the event is dependent on living in any of the following Delaware watersheds:

  • Appoquinimink Watershed
  • Broadkill Watershed
  • Chester Watershed
  • Choptank Watershed
  • Chesapeake Bay Watershed/Basin (Anywhere within this basin)
  • Christina Watershed
  • Inland Bays Watershed
  • Little Assawoman Bay Watershed
  • Nanticoke Watershed
  • Pocomoke Watershed
  • St. Jones River Watershed
  • Wicomico Watershed

For potential participants to identify the watershed they live in, and confirm their eligibility to receive a free rain barrel from DNREC, visit DelawareWatersheds.org and follow the instructions for “Find Your Watershed.” Eligible Delawareans can then proceed to register for the workshop. The first 20 eligible participants to register for and attend the workshop will receive a free 55-gallon rain barrel system to be built during the workshop.

During the workshop, DNREC will provide free kits that convert plastic drums donated by Painted Stave Distilling of Smyrna into rain barrels. Workshop participants will be given an overview of rain barrels including their benefits, proper use, assembly, and maintenance. Among the benefits are rain barrels’ ability to store rainwater from rooftops that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams, thus helping improve the health of local waterways; and saving homeowners money on water use.

Staff from DNREC’s Nonpoint Source Program will lead the workshop. Participants may arrive at any time between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. for the workshop….

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Mohegan

Chris Rock’s Tour Is Coming to Mohegan Sun

Comedian Chris Rock is on tour after the infamous slap during the Oscars Sunday and that tour will be coming to Connecticut.

Rock’s “Ego Death World Tour 2022” will be coming to Mohegan Sun Arena in June. Tom Cantone, president of sports and entertainment for Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, said ticket sales have been strong but tickets are available.

Rock was in Boston Wednesday for his first comedy show since Will Smith confronted him on the Oscars stage after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who shaved her head after suffering from alopecia.

After a standing ovation that lasted for minutes, Rock asked the roaring crowd, “how was your weekend?” and said he was still “processing what happened” at the Academy Awards.

More people are talking about Jada Pinkett-Smith and alopecia after the viral incident between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards. Black women are more likely to get alopecia overall, and there are multiple forms of the condition. But any forms of alopecia can complicate a Black woman’s body image and sense of self. Dermatologist Dr. Meena Singh & Dr. Afiya Mbilishak, a hair stylist and psychologist, joined LX News to explain more.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences said Wednesday that Smith was asked to leave the Oscars after hitting Rock but he refused.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences board of governors met Wednesday to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Smith for violations against the group’s standards of conduct.

They said Smith has the opportunity to defend himself in writing before the board meets again on April 18.

The academy also said disciplinary action for Smith could include suspension, expulsion or other sanctions.

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Lenni Lenape

Morristown tops Lenape Valley – Boys lacrosse recap

Ian Plott tallied six goals and two assists to lead Morristown past Lenape Valley 15-3 in Morristown.

Thomas Gleichman also posted four goals and an assist for Morristown (1-0) with David Votapek scoring two goals to go along with three assists. Eric Rider had two goals and two assists with Jack Byrne tallying a goal and two assists. Aidan Clarke and Connor Ross had an assist each.

Jack Pope led Lenape Valley (0-1) with a goal and an assist with Nate Sarnella and Matthew Murphy adding a goal each.

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Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.

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Delaware Tribe

Child care facilities close across Green Country over tribal money dispute

Child care facilities close across Green Country over tribal money dispute | KTULPlease ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility-1; } // command = ‘getUSPData’, version = 1, callback = function(uspData: uspdata, success: boolean) window.__uspapi = function (command, version, callback) { if (command === ‘getUSPData’ && version === 1) { if (isFullMeasure() || getPrivacyKVP()) { // enable via KVP or if the site is fullmeasure.news // check trustarc for privacy info var uspString = getTrustArc(); if (uspString) { // if the uspString was created and returned properly // Then perform callback with correct object var uspData = { version: version, uspString: uspString }; return callback(uspData, true); } } } // Case where command !== getUSPData || uspString returns null || version !== 1 || !usPrivacyEnabled // call callback with uspData = null and success = false return callback(null, false); } function getTrustArc() { if (window.truste && window.truste.cma) { // if the trustarc object and methods are available var url = location.protocol + ‘//’ + location.host; // Get consent decision by calling trustarc api var consentDetails = window.truste.cma.callApi(“getConsentDecision”, url); /* returns consentDetails: {consentDecision:$integer, source:”asserted”} consentDetails.source can be “asserted” or “implied” – ignore for our purposes consentDetails.consentDecision can be 0, 1, 2, or 3 0 – no decision (closing banner without making a decision) 1 – required – “opted out” 3 – advertising – accepted */ var uspPrivacyString = formatUSPrivacyString(consentDetails.consentDecision); return writeUSPrivacyString(uspPrivacyString); } else { return null; } } // Handle getting the value of the notice_behavior cookie (provided for us by trustarc) function getCookieData(name) { var value = ‘; ‘ + document.cookie; var parts = value.split(‘; ‘ + name + ‘=’); if (parts.length === 2) { return parts.pop().split(‘;’).shift(); } return null; } function…

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Nanticoke

Brooke’s Toy Closet Expands to TidalHealth Nanticoke in Seaford

SEAFORD, Del.– Brooke Mulford was a remarkable little girl. Diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer, in 2009 when she was only 4-years-old, she endured numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, several surgeries, two stem cell transplants, multiple bone marrow biopsies, and blood transfusions. 

Brooke was treated at several hospitals that specialize in children’s cancer, and she received care for the many side effects between treatments at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury, Md.  

Brooke fought a fierce battle and through it all, her smile never waned and she never gave in to the pain. Unfortunately, Brooke passed away in June of 2017. 

Always thinking of others, Brooke had an idea to provide toys to other hospitalized children. In 2014, Brooke’s Toy Closet was established at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, and it was Brooke who cut the ribbon. Children who visit the Salisbury hospital through pediatrics or the emergency department receive a toy from Brooke’s closet that becomes theirs to take home. Thousands have beneitted from Brooke’s thoughtfulness. 

On March 29, TidalHealth and the TidalHealth Foundation took Brooke’s vision and expanded it with the ribbon cutting of Brooke’s Toy Closet at TidalHealth Nanticoke. Now, at the Seaford, Del., hospital, the same opportunities to bring happiness to a child’s stay shine as brightly as Brooke’s eternal spirit. 

The TidalHealth Foundation is always accepting donations to Brooke’s Toy Closet for both the Salisbury and Seaford hospitals. They may be reached at 410-543-7140. Toys should be sized appropriately to fit on a cabinet shelf, and if batteries are required, please include them. Great choices include dolls, toy trucks, stuffed animals, card games, puzzles, building blocks, toy cars and sponge balls.

 Additionally, on Amazon there is also a Brooke’s “Wish List” of toys that can be purchased and shipped directly to TidalHealth Nanticoke. The link may be accessed at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/19MLZ880RLRWY?ref_=wl_share.

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Mohegan

Tribe supports Connecticut city’s Red Raiders’ nickname

The tribe says it supports the use of those images “as a public means of sustaining Native American culture and history of Connecticut’s first citizens,” according to the March 15 resolution from the tribal council.

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Derby Board of Education Chair Jim Gildea said city officials sat down with tribal leaders, including Schaghticoke Chief Richard Velky, to discuss the issue. He said the city explained the images are meant to honor the area’s Native American heritage. He also said the term “Red Raiders” has nothing to do with skin color.

“It’s similar to the Duke Blue Devils, the Tulane Green Wave,” he said. “Through the years, people may have lost sight of that, but Derby High School’s colors are red and white.”

The state last year enacted a law that requires municipalities whose athletic teams use Native American names or mascots to receive written support from a state or federally recognized tribe in Connecticut or risk losing state grants derived from revenue at the state’s two tribal casinos, The Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino.

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Most of Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns receive a grant from the Mashantucket Pequot/Mohegan Fund, with extra money earmarked for communities located near the gaming centers. The amounts are based on a formula that involves a number of factors, including the value of untaxable property within the community. Payments are made three times a year and can total as much as $5 million or more for the larger cities.

The Schaghticokes do not contribute to the fund, but Gildea said that should not matter.

“We should not cherry pick which Native American, state-recognized tribe we decide to give the ability to grant waivers to,” he said. “They are all honorable, decent tribes who are state recognized and that should be the only litmus test.”

Story…

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Lenni Lenape

Historic Staircase Gets Much Needed Upgrade at Sam’s Point

A popular hiking destination in Ulster County is getting a much-needed update.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced on March 26th, 2022, that State Parks and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission have opened The Lenape Steps in the Sam’s Point area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

These steps aren’t a new addition to Sam’s Point, however, they were refurbished after sitting in a “state of disrepair for many decades” according to the DEC. The DEC explains that the Lenape Steps are a historic piece of Shawangunk history, they write:

The Lenape Steps, located at the base of the Shawangunk Ridge in the Ulster County hamlet of Cragsmoor, date to the 1860s when an early hotel owner built them in a narrow chasm for guests to reach the top of the ridge. The stairs remained a popular tourist attraction after the hotel was destroyed by fire in 1874 but had been in a state of disrepair for many decades.

For the last 3 years, over 50 volunteers from the Jolly RoversTrail Crew have been hard at work refurbishing the historic steps. The Jolly Rovers Trail Crew is made up of a group of Hudson Valley locals who specialize in the building of natural stone pathways in difficult-to-reach areas.

Emily Hague, who is Jolly Rovers Board Chairwoman, said in a press release “This was the most technically challenging project we’ve ever done, due to the custom and precise stone shaping involved. This project employed collective skills our crew had been honing over the last decade, and it advanced our collective ability.”

Sam’s Point at Minnewaska Preserve is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Hudson Valley. Because of its increasing popularity, starting in May of 2022, if you’re thinking of hiking Sam’s Point you must make a parking reservation for a $10.95.  More details…

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Delaware Tribe

Parents React After Bartlesville Daycare Announces Sudden Closure

Parents all over Washington county are trying to find a place for their kids to go after three daycare facilities announced they’re closing this week. The Washington County Child Care Foundation operates two centers in Bartlesville and another one in Sperry. Nearly 160 kids across the three facilities will have to find new childcare centers after all the facilities close this week.

“When they called me and told me they got in, I cried happy tears,” said Rachel Swindell. Swindell waited a year and a half to get three-year-old Lucas into her dream daycare: Ivy Academy West in Bartlesville. She and her husband both work full time jobs.

“The people there are wonderful, she said. “I have nothing bad to say.”

However, Monday she got an email from the director saying the centers would be closing on Thursday. The Washington County Child Care Foundation operates the centers. A source from the foundation said they’ve worked hand in hand with the Delaware tribe 25 years and that’s how the foundation is funded.

But they say the tribe decided to cut those ties. Now, the foundation said the tribe owes them more than $4 million. However, the Delaware chief said they don’t believe the tribe owes any money and said the daycares were primarily serving non-native children, which was against the tribe’s federal contract. He also said their audits of the foundation showed it was spending money unwisely.

“I’m learning that I’m losing childcare for my son,” said Swindell. Swindell said regardless of why it happened, she wishes she had more notice. “I was frustrated at the situation, but my heart broke for Lucas,” she said “His friends and teachers and his daily routine.”

60 employees will also be losing their jobs. Swindell said she’s relying on her family members until she can find a new daycare.

The foundation said…

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