Categories
Unami

Report on Effective Strategies for Voter Education: Empowering Citizens to Make Informed Voting Decisions (Sulaymaniyah, 14-15 March 2023)

Attachments

Background

The electoral process is a multi-stakeholder engagement process, and for the success of any election, each stakeholder, including civil society organizations (CSOs), in addition to the electoral management bodies (EMBs), has a crucial role to play. One of the major roles of civil society organizations is voter education.

In the context of the Kurdistan region, several elections have been held since 1992. While these elections have regularly and periodically been held, are generally considered credible by national and international observers, there are certain concerns remain about the transparency and integrity of the electoral process, including low voter turnout, which highlights the need for more emphasis on voter education.

Voter education is the process of informing and educating voters on various aspects of the elections, enabling and empowering them to make informed decisions during the electoral process. Moreover, giving voters the right information at the right time is key to a successful election. Therefore, educating voters on their rights and responsibilities in the electoral process is crucial. Voter education campaigns can help increase voter turnout and encourage voters to make informed decisions. These campaigns can be more effective if conducted through collaboration between the EMB and other relevant stakeholders, such as civil society organizations.

With the aim of thoroughly examining the electoral challenges in the Kurdistan Region and recommending measures to overcome such challenges through workshops in collaboration with civil society organizations, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Office of Electoral Assistance (OEA), in coordination with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), planned a series of workshops to create a platform for CSOs to discuss various electoral themes, including electoral integrity, voter registration, strategies for voter education, and empowering citizens to make informed voting decisions. The first workshop was held from March 14-15 in Sulamaniyah,…

Continue reading

Categories
Mohegan

CT drummer joins The Killers onstage at Mohegan Sun concert

On March 17, Middletown native Andrew Moore, 29, found himself drumming onstage at Mohegan Sun Arena in front of 10,000 people. The crowd was there to see The Killers, a band Moore has admired for as long as he has been playing music, and for whom he had also shown up to watch live.

“Okay, this is a gig. Treat this like a gig. These are your bandmates now,” Moore thought to himself as he performed the song “For Reasons Unknown.”

Connecticut drummer Andrew Moore plays with The Killers at Mohegan Sun Arena on March 17, 2023.

Connecticut drummer Andrew Moore plays with The Killers at Mohegan Sun Arena on March 17, 2023.

Contributed Photo/Andrew Moore

Knowing that the band would sometimes pull fans onstage to play with them during this particular song, Moore had come prepared with a sign that said, “Can I play the drums (please)?” The sign had been confiscated by security, but not before lead singer Brandon Flowers had the chance to catch a glimpse of it.

“You know the song? You know the stops and everything? We’ve been burned a couple of times,” Flowers asked Moore before he invited him on stage. “Don’t you let me down. Come on up.”

“For Reasons Unknown,” is a cut off of the band’s 2006 album “Sam’s Town,” and Moore knows it well. After finishing the song, Flowers told the crowd that Moore was “restoring our faith in humanity.” 

A drummer since the age of 10, Moore has played in a number of different bands, including one of his current bands, Dizzie Pocket. As a live drummer for Nashville musician…

Continue reading

Categories
Mohegan

CT Fishing & Outdoor Show Opens This Friday, March 24 at Mohegan Sun

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

The “Connecticut Fishing & Outdoor Show” is coming to Mohegan Sun this Friday, March 24. Show hours: Friday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free Parking.

Larger than last year, the three-day event showcases a wide variety of outdoor activities including freshwater and saltwater fishing, hunting, kayaking, paddle boards, safaris, hunting dog training. Designed for longtime fishing, hunting and outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to learn more. Great for families!

►Over 200 booths/125 Exhibitors selling the newest fishing, hunting & outdoor equipment, fishing boats.

Find out what’s happening in Across Connecticutwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

►Expert-led Seminars/Programs on many topics.

►Fly Casting demos by experts in 2 locations: on a 5,000-gallon Hawg Trough Live Fish Tank. and on the show’s fly cast pond.

Find out what’s happening in Across Connecticutwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

►Animal Adventures Family Zoo & Rescue Center bringing alligator, porcupine, Burmese python snake, skunk, owl, bunny, turtles and tortoise. Presentations: Friday 3 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Exhibit times: Friday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday/Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

►Kayak Fishing Demonstrations from Three Belles Outfitters and New England Dive.

►Fly-Tying by Experts including Fred Wilson, Leslie Wrixon and Mike Stewart.

►Meet & Schedule Tours with Charter Boat Fishing Captains, Hunting Outfitters, Outdoor Adventure and Safari Promoters.

►CT Dept. of Energy & Environmental & Protection’s (DEEP) latest rules and regulations, and displays on state’s wildlife, fisheries, boating, hunting and parks.

►Hands-On Activities include: BlackHawk virtual fishing fighting chair simulator, and a Laser Shot Range from the CT Dept. of Energy & Environmental & Protection (DEEP).

►How to Use Inflatable Life Jackets by the U.S….

Continue reading

Categories
Mohegan

Kings of comedy D.L. Hughley and Cedric the Entertainer bring the funny this week in CT arts

It’s a good week for singer-songwriters at Connecticut arts venues.

The prolific Ezra Furman is at the Space Ballroom in Hamden. Brian Culbertson, who frequently switches up styles and concepts, is at The Bushnell, and Mexican pop star Ana Gabriel is at Mohegan Sun Arena.

There’s also an array of stand-up comedy this week, including Kathleen Madigan at Foxwoods and five big-time Black comics who make up the “Straight Jokes! No Chaser” tour at Mohegan Sun.

For those who needed a fuller stage, a symphony plays the “E.T.” score live while the movie screens in Waterbury, and all the pomp and grandeur of a Meat Loaf show is captured by the Neverland Express and Caleb Johnson at the Wall Street Theater in Norwalk.

Here are some of the top things to do and see this week in Connecticut arts.

Ezra Furman
Space Ballroom, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden

Scruffy sweet-voiced indie singer/songwriter Ezra Furman released her seventh solo album of the past decade, “All of Us Flames,” last year. Before that, she had three albums with her band The Harpoons. Considering that she came out of the Boston music scene of the 2000s, there’ve been relatively few Furman shows in Connecticut over the years. So make the most of the all-ages one on March 26 at 8 p.m. at the Space Ballroom in Hamden with Alexandra Burnet & the Proven Winners opening. $18. /spaceballroom.com.

Simón Willson Quartet
Center Church, 675 Main St., Hartford

The Simón Willson Quartet says its sound “focuses heavily on the intersectionality of Afro-diasporic musical traditions such as the blues, jazz, Cuban and Brazilian music fused with different elements of the Western classical tradition, the experimental avant-garde, and an awareness and interest in rock and pop expressions.” Bandleader Willson is a bassist and composer. The quartet is…

Continue reading

Categories
Mohegan

Dropkick Murphys coming to Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza on March 14

<p>Dropkick Murphys — This Machine Still Kills Fascists band members are: Ken Casey (lead vocals), Tim Brennan (guitars, tin whistle, accordion, piano, vocals), Jeff DaRosa (guitars, banjo, mandolin, vocals), Matt Kelly (drums, percussion, and vocals), James Lynch (guitars and vocals), Kevin Rheault (bass).</p> <p>/</p> <p>” /></a> </p> <p>Dropkick Murphys — This Machine Still Kills Fascists band members are: Ken Casey (lead vocals), Tim Brennan (guitars, tin whistle, accordion, piano, vocals), Jeff DaRosa (guitars, banjo, mandolin, vocals), Matt Kelly (drums, percussion, and vocals), James Lynch (guitars and vocals), Kevin Rheault (bass).</p> <p>/</p> <p> <a href=

WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Dropkick Murphys are set to wrap up their very special acoustic This Machine…Theater Tour will make a stop at the ASM Global managed Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre Township on Tuesday, March 14, at 7 p.m.

The Wilkes-Barre show is produced by SLP concerts.

Dropkick Murphys announced the full run of dates for Pega Presents…Dropkick Murphys St. Patrick’s Day 2023 Tour. The full-throttle rock tour launches March 1 in Charlotte and culminates with four hometown Boston shows, March 16, 17, 18 & 19. The Rumjacks and Jesse Ahern open most shows.

Tickets for Dropkick Murphys St. Patrick’s Day 2023 Tour show in Wilkes-Barre Township go on sale this Friday, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.com, SLPConcerts.net,or in person at the NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena. Visit www.DropkickMurphys.com for more information.

Dropkick Murphys’ current theater tour and new album This Machine Still Kills Fascists have received widespread praise from fans and media. In a recent show review, Americana Highways noted: “The record itself, backed by [Woody] Guthrie’s kindred, rebellious spirit, hit as hard as anything the Murphys have ever done…Throughout the show, the new songs hit as well as the old favorites.”

Categories
Nanticoke

Nanticoke man charged with harassing former supervisor

HANOVER TWP. — A former truck driver at an international shipping company was charged with stalking a supervisor.

Frank J. Marcinkowski, 57, of Enterprise Street, made repeated unwanted phone calls to his former supervisor, a woman, and showed up at the facility on New Commerce Boulevard in Hanover Industrial Estates despite being told to stay away, according to court records.

Marcinkowski surrendered on charges of stalking and harassment filed by township police. He was arraigned by District Judge Rick Cronauer in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday and released on $5,000 unsecured bail.

According to the criminal complaint:

A woman reported to police last month about ongoing harassment from Marcinkowski, a former truck driver at DHL. The woman was Marcinkowski’s supervisor.

She claimed Marcinkowski was relieved of his duties in early 2022 after he failed to return to work after a leave of absence. She continued to have contact with Marcinkowski because she was concerned for his health but after several months, she decided to cease having further contact with him.

She told police the relationship was strictly professional.

Earlier this year, Marcinkowski began calling the woman at her place of employment every morning at 7:30 a.m. and again at 8 a.m. She repeatedly told Marcinkowski she no longer wanted him to contact her.

Marcinkowski ignored the woman’s wishes and continued to call and text her, the complaint says.

When the woman ignored his calls, Marcinkowski allegedly called the security desk and identified himself using another name asking to speak with the woman.

Police in the complaint say Marcinkowski called other employees and began showing up at the facility.

During one visit, Marcinkowski wore a DHL uniform and was granted access onto the property driving his vehicle near the door of the woman’s office,…

Continue reading

Categories
Mohegan

Suzohapp to install terminals at Mohegan’s Niagara casinos

Fallsview Casino Resort, Mohegan

Mohegan has made moves to strengthen the sports betting capabilities at the operator’s pair of Niagara Falls-based gaming properties via the deployment of Suzohapp terminals.

The installation of the group’s entire sports wagering product ecosystem, including the SBT-1000 terminal, is intended to give Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara the ability to customise and automate the complete cycle.

After recently undertaking a similar installation at 10 Great Canadian Entertainment venues, this latest moves follows the regulatory green-light being issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

“Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara are premier locations in the Ontario gaming and sports betting industries and we are honoured to partner with Fallsview Casino Resort, Casino Niagara, and RBY on this project,” stated Todd Sims, Vice President of Sales for Suzohapp.

This partnership sees Mohegan build upon an alliance struck with Kambi earlier in the year, which saw plans disclosed for a total of 36 kiosks to be installed across the pair of aforementioned properties.

Regarding this latest alliance, Richard Taylor, President of Niagara Casinos, said: “We are very excited to partner with Suzohapp as we prepare to launch sports betting at Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara.

“With the changing landscape in gaming, we have been working collaboratively with the OLG, AGCO, and the Province and are excited to launch sports betting in Ontario. Our partnership with Suzohapp will continue to elevate our offerings at Niagara Casinos.”

Ray Pineault, CEO and President of Mohegan, added: “As a leading global entertainment operator, it is imperative that we align strategically with brands who are innovative and provide our guests with state-of-the-art technology to enhance their experience.

“We are pleased to partner with Suzohapp and to introduce their sports betting products…

Continue reading

Categories
Mohican

Briefs: Mulberry Street bridge project to impact traffic

Staff report  |  Mansfield News Journal

Prep work to begin next week for bridge replacement

The Ohio Department of Transportation says Ohio 39 (Mulberry Street) in Mansfield, between East Sixth Street and Lafayette Avenue, will be reduced to one lane of traffic from Monday through March 31. Mulberry Street will also be reduced to one lane of traffic during working hours for tree clearing and waterline relocation between West Sixth Street and the railroad tracks.

On April 3, Ohio 39 (Mulberry Street) will close for 60 days for bridge replacement work. Estimated completion of the entire project is August.

Mohican Wildlife Weekend packed with hands-on, up-close nature experiences

After a two-year COVID-driven hiatus, Mohican Wildlife Weekend returns April 28-30. Visitors are invited to celebrate wildlife habitat, environmental stewardship and natural history at nine program sites across Richland and Ashland counties.

The theme for this year’s Wildlife Weekend is “Know your H2O” and will feature programming designed to raise awareness about the importance of water and water stewardship. Events kick off April 28 with a reception at 6 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Lake Park, featuring the chance to meet wildlife ambassadors and take part in a river table activity. Keynote speaker Robert Gable, program director for Ohio Department of Natural Resources Scenic Rivers Program, will give a talk about Ohio’s scenic rivers.

Throughout the weekend, there will be more than 20 workshops and demonstrations for the entire family.

While registration is not required, some programs have limited space and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Event details can be found at mohicanwildlifeweekend.com.

Ashland U to mark St. Patrick’s Day with jazz festival

ASHLAND — The 42nd edition of the Maplerock Jazz Festival featuring the Ashland University Jazz Orchestra mixing with jazz luminaries and regional scholastic groups, will take place Friday inside AU’s Center for the Arts, 331 College Ave.

Area…

Continue reading

Categories
Munsee

Middle-high school renovation enters fourth phase

The parts of an ongoing effort to renovate Corry Area Middle-High School are well-oiled and moving swiftly.

Mike Munsee, director of buildings and grounds, took some school board members and staff on a tour of the renovation areas on Monday.

Renovation bathroom picture after

Redoing a couple of the bathrooms at Corry Area Middle-High School is part of a larger renovation plan. Above is a boy’s bathroom has gotten new tiling and lights.

Chloe Forbes/The Corry Journal

The over $20 million renovation is scheduled to be completed in June of 2024. Munsee explained that the renovation has been broken up into phases as part of a strategy to minimize disruption to the school’s traffic flow and everyday operations.

Phase three is about 80% complete, according to Munsee, who estimates the crew will move into the next phase at the beginning of April.

Up to this point, a section of the school has had HVAC duct work and hot water piping installed, along with new ceiling grid and tiles, LED lighting and ceilings lowered to fit the new overhead created by the systems.

Two of the bathrooms are also being renovated as part of this phase.

The same scope of work is completed in each phase, just in different sectioned-off areas of the school. 

Munsee said this upcoming phase may prove to be the most challenging as it will cut off traffic flow through the library.

Renovation venting investigation

Board members Jason Halfast, left, Justin Amy and Jon Maker look up at the duct work being completed during the renovation at the middle-high school.

Chloe Forbes/The Corry Journal

Board member Bill Nichols asked why this work couldn’t be completed in the summer when it would be less disruptive to the flow of traffic. Munsee said…

Continue reading

Categories
Nanticoke

Nanticoke man charged with harassing former supervisor

Mar. 14—HANOVER TWP. — A former truck driver at an international shipping company was charged with stalking a supervisor.

Frank J. Marcinkowski, 57, of Enterprise Street, made repeated unwanted phone calls to his former supervisor, a woman, and showed up at the facility on New Commerce Boulevard in Hanover Industrial Estates despite being told to stay away, according to court records.

Marcinkowski surrendered on charges of stalking and harassment filed by township police. He was arraigned by District Judge Rick Cronauer in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday and released on $5,000 unsecured bail.

According to the criminal complaint:

A woman reported to police last month about ongoing harassment from Marcinkowski, a former truck driver at DHL. The woman was Marcinkowski’s supervisor.

She claimed Marcinkowski was relieved of his duties in early 2022 after he failed to return to work after a leave of absence. She continued to have contact with Marcinkowski because she was concerned for his health but after several months, she decided to cease having further contact with him.

She told police the relationship was strictly professional.

Earlier this year, Marcinkowski began calling the woman at her place of employment every morning at 7:30 a.m. and again at 8 a.m. She repeatedly told Marcinkowski she no longer wanted him to contact her.

Marcinkowski ignored the woman’s wishes and continued to call and text her, the complaint says.

When the woman ignored his calls, Marcinkowski allegedly called the security desk and identified himself using another name asking to speak with the woman.

Police in the complaint say Marcinkowski called other employees and began showing up at the facility.

During one visit, Marcinkowski wore a DHL uniform and was granted access onto the property driving his vehicle near the door of the woman’s office, according to the complaint.

Marcinkowski left when the woman told him she was calling security.

The woman reported Marcinkowski called the…

Continue reading