8 Winners Selected For @GoParks Expedition Contest To Yosemite And San Francisco Bay Area National Parks

September 15, 2016

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Eight diverse social media influencers – unique in geographic locations, interests, and backgrounds – have won an unforgettable national park adventure during the National Park Service Centennial year, thanks to the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks. The winners will travel together to Yosemite National Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, and Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park.

You can be part of the fun at www.nationalparks.org/fypx and by following #FYPx on social media.

Engaging people from all walks of life and inspiring them to discover all that a park can be through a variety of park experiences, the National Park Foundation’s 2016 Find Your Park Expedition highlights the essence of the Find Your Park/Encuentra Tu Parque movement.

“From walking in the footsteps of the Buffalo soldiers, to watching the sunset over the ocean, to imagining life aboard a historic ship, to warm welcomes from National Park Service rangers, our Find Your Park Expedition participants will be sharing all of their experiences online so that people everywhere can virtually tag along,” said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation. “As we continue celebrating the National Park Service Centennial this year and enter into the second century of the National Park Service, we’re grateful to our partners for supporting an incredible opportunity for people to discover how our national parks truly have something for everyone.”

Thanks to support from Find Your Park premier partners REI and Subaru, and through partnerships with Aramark, Columbia Sportswear and Historic Hotels of America, expenses including transportation and lodging will be covered and outdoor gear will be provided.

You can read quotes from National Park Foundation partners and find out why they’re excited about this year’s expedition on the National Park Foundation’s blog today.

The National Park Foundation’s 2016 Find Your Park Expedition participants are:

Edgar Woo of Miami, FL
A freelance photographer, radio show host, and the creative director for @MIAexplore, Edgar inspires people in Miami and worldwide to explore the depths of their creativity by bridging connections between photography and music.

Erin McGrady of Asheville, NC
From exploring Mayan ruins in Belize, to working as a divemaster in the Bahamas, to teaching middle schoolers in Baltimore, Maryland, Erin thrives on new experiences and sharing them through photographs and storytelling. She’s captivated by the power of photography to educate and inspire. This past June she followed her heart to Asheville and says most days you can find her on the trails with her girlfriend and their two dogs.

Faith E. Briggs of Brooklyn, NY
A Yale alumna and documentary filmmaker, Faith’s passion is sharing stories from communities of color and creating spaces for conversation. Well-known in the urban running community in New York City, she is a proud member of Black Roses NYC and a co-founder of Movement: Black August. The movement highlights lesser-known African American historical sites and inspires people to deeply connect with the rich history of the Diaspora.

Jacob Fu of Portland, OR
Co-founder of the popular travel blog, Local Adventurer, Jacob believes that adventure is not only found in far, exotic places, but also in your own backyard. He shares his experiences online in hopes that it’ll motivate more people to explore locally. While he was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he’s moved to a new city every year since 2013. And, he has all 413 national parks on his bucket list.

Juan Flores of Indianapolis, IN
A photographer with a background in visual communication design, Juan can be found wandering around the Midwest and documenting his experiences for all to follow. He loves to learn and believes you can never stop learning. He is also a moderator for @igersindy, a community of Hoosier creatives.

Mario Villanueva of Austin, TX
A visual artist, photographer, and social entrepreneur, Mario’s mantra is every moment counts. Originally from Mexico, he moved to the United States when he was three years old and was the first in his family to graduate from college. Currently working for Austin Parks and Recreation as an art counselor, he also recently launched UNICO, an online LGBTQ journal that dives into the lives of people making a difference in the community.

Victoria Gonzalez of Hackensack, NJ
A Columbian-American writer and active advocate for women travelers as part of Travel Latina, Victoria has coined the term “histourism” to describe her passion for blending her love of history and seeing the world. Currently pursuing a career in cultural heritage, she hopes to enhance how people experience museums and landmarks. She can also be found playing roller derby, using the name “Tacocat.”

Victoria Ramos of San Marcos, TX
Born and raised in a border-town in south Texas, Victoria is a passionate photography student who now resides in central Texas. Part of @igsanmarcos, a local central Texas Instagram community of creatives, she loves taking portraits and has recently developed an interest in landscape photography as well.

In its fourth year, the expedition will raise awareness about all that the National Park System has to offer, including careers with the National Park Service. In addition, the experience will redefine the word “park.” Beyond vast landscapes, the expedition will bring attention to historical, urban, and cultural parks, as well as National Park Service programs that protect, preserve and share America’s collective heritage in communities nationwide.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and INSPIRE the next generation of park stewards. In 2016, commemorating the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary, the Foundation launched The Centennial Campaign for America’s National Parks, a $350 million comprehensive fundraising campaign to strengthen and enhance the future of these national treasures for the next hundred years. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Alanna Sobel
202-796-2538
[email protected]

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Don Williams, Ph.D. to Speak at 2016 – 2017 University Colloquium Series

September 14, 2016

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ORLANDO, FL - Sept. 14, 2016 - Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU) presents the beginning of its 2016 - 2017 Colloquium Series with a presentation by Dr. Don Williams. Speakers for this year's series will explore the topic of "Faith and Loss" beginning with a biblical perspective on the topic from the book of Ecclesiastes.

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU) presents the beginning of its 2016 – 2017 Colloquium Series with a presentation by Dr. Don Williams. Speakers for this year’s series will explore the topic of “Faith and Loss” beginning with a biblical perspective on the topic from the book of Ecclesiastes.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160914/407564

As the world recovers from recent traumatic and violent events, what can we learn from the Bible’s most enigmatic book? Dr. Williams will lead the community through this thought-provoking conversation, unpacking the message of the book of Ecclesiastes as it relates to our lives.

Dr. Williams is author of a novel, A Time for Every Season published by Westbow Press, which examines faith and loss in the book of Ecclesiastes. Using the novel as a springboard he will unpack Ecclesiastes’ counsel for living in a broken world.

We invite you to read his book, attend this free community event and join in the discussion. The event takes place on Wednesday, September 28^th, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Florida Hospital Church.

About Principle Sources
Don Williams, Ph.D.
Dr. Don Williams has been a pastor, counselor, teacher, missionary and administrator. His passion for the book of Ecclesiastes began while teaching in Singapore. While developing the curriculum at Adventist University of Health Sciences, he created a course entitled Wisdom of the Bible, which explored the problem of pain in Job, wisdom in the book of Proverbs and the meaning of life in the book of Ecclesiastes.

Dr. Williams earned a Master of Divinity at Andrews University and a Ph.D. in Counseling from Purdue University. Following graduation, he helped start what is now the Adventist University of Health Sciences. Since then, he has held positions there as the Chair of General Studies, Senior Vice-President for Academic Administration and is currently Assistant to the President of Mission. Since moving to administration, Dr. Williams continues to guest lecture on the book of Ecclesiastes.

About Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU)
Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU) is a Seventh-day Adventist institution specializing in healthcare education in a faith-affirming environment. Service-oriented and guided by the values of nurture, excellence, spirituality, and stewardship, the University seeks to develop leaders who will practice healthcare as a ministry. ADU fulfills this mission by developing skilled professionals who live the healing values of Christ.

ADU offers undergraduate and graduate programs including: Biomedical Sciences, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Sciences, Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Nursing (BSN), Nurse Anesthesia, Occupational Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Physician Assistant, and Physical Therapy. The University is associated with Florida Hospital and the Adventist Health System.

ADU embraces the benefit of whole person care as demonstrated in the life and ministry of Christ. The University is dedicated to developing skilled professionals who live the healing values of Christ. Graduates who live these values effectively extend the healing ministry of Christ.

el Jimador Launches “The Ultimate Fan Experience” Program

September 14, 2016

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As an Official Sponsor of the Mexican National Soccer Team, el Jimador Rewards Loyal Fans With "The Ultimate Fan Experience" as Part of the Brand's Soccer Platform

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — el Jimador, an official sponsor of the Mexican National Soccer Team, is offering soccer fanatics the chance to win a VIP trip with “The Ultimate Fan Experience” as part of the brand’s soccer platform. Now through September 30, fans are invited to enter for the chance to win an exclusive trip to Chicago to watch Mexico’s National Soccer Team take on Panama on October 11, 2016.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160914/407566

Four lucky winners will experience the excitement of the game from premium, suite-level seats with top-notch services and amenities. In addition, winners will have pre-game access to observe player warm-ups on the field. Each winner will receive the trip for two, with round-trip airfare, two nights of hotel accommodation in downtown Chicago, and transportation to the stadium on game day.

Fans are invited to enter by texting “Chicago” to 68405 or visiting http://ultimatetrip.eljimador.com/ to complete a submission form. The match will air on UniMás Network LIVE from the Toyota stadium in Chicago on October 11.

“As a proud sponsor of the Mexican National Team, ‘The Ultimate Fan Experience’ allows us to connect with soccer fans and friends of the brand in a way that reflects the premium essence of our finely crafted tequila,” said Ed Carias, el Jimador Senior Brand Manager. “With the best seat in the house, delicious food, good company and quality el Jimador cocktails, we’re offering loyal fans an experience they’ll never forget as part of el Jimador’s dedication to the sport of soccer.”

Since 2011, el Jimador has demonstrated its commitment to soccer through a number of elements including national and regional contests, limited edition soccer themed el Jimador bottles, social media engagement, in-store promotions and other sweepstakes. Additionally, the brand is the official sponsor of the annual U.S. Tour of the Mexican National Team and MLS teams including the Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas, Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers, Orlando City and Louisville FC.

Cheering on your favorite teams from home? Celebrate with el Jimador and raise a glass to the excitement of soccer season with this classic:

el Jimador Authentic Paloma
2 oz. el Jimador Silver
5 oz. Grapefruit Soda
Splash of fresh lime juice
Pinch of salt

As Mexico’s most popular cocktail, the Paloma is simple and refreshing. Pour el Jimador, grapefruit soda, lime and salt over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy.

About el Jimador
From Casa Herradura, established in 1870, el Jimador is the #1 selling, 100 percent blue agave tequila in Mexico. el Jimador is the official sponsor of the MLS, U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams and the annual U.S. Tour of the Mexican National Team. The name el Jimador honors the men who harvest the locally grown agave with great pride and care. To learn more about el Jimador, visit www.eljimador.com.

About “The Ultimate Fan Experience”
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Consumers must be at least 21 years old and a legal resident of the Unites States. Sweepstakes void in NY, FL and wherever prohibited or restricted by law. All entries must be received by September 30, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. EDT when the sweepstakes ends. Limited one entry per person, per day. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries per draw period. Beverage alcohol is not a part of any sweepstakes prize. For more information on eligibility, drawing and prizes, please visit http://ultimatetrip.eljimador.com/ to view Ultimate Fan Experience Sweepstakes Official Rules.

Alc. 40% by Vol. (80 proof) Tequila imported by Brown-Forman, Louisville, KY ©2016
Be Real, Drink Responsibly.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Releases Report: “Increasing Compliance with Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act”

September 14, 2016

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U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Logo. (PRNewsFoto/U.S. Commission on Civil Rights)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has released its report Increasing Compliance with Section 7 of the National Voter Registration Act, which can be found on the Commission’s website.

The Commission’s report examines state compliance with the National Voter Registration Act’s mandate to provide voter registration forms and assistance to those utilizing public assistance and disability agencies, and the efforts of the Department of Justice and private citizens in enforcing the mandate, found in Section 7 of the Act. The report also looked at trends in voter registration modernization, including electronic and automatic registration, and the use of health benefit exchanges to register voters.

The report offers findings and recommends a series of actions at the federal and state local levels – including by the Congress and the federal Election Assistance Commission. The Commission’s findings emphasize the importance of registering to vote at public assistance offices for minorities, disabled, and Limited English Proficient individuals. The report further notes that enforcement of the statute by the Department of Justice or private litigants is effective in motivating states to provide more accessible voter registration. The report also stresses the effectiveness of integrated computer processes and technology in improving voter registration rates.

The Commission’s primary recommendations are that: (1) Congress should increase resources to the Department of Justice to increase technical assistance and enforcement in connection with the National Voter Registration Act; (2) states should designate additional agencies as allowed under Section 7, such as colleges, universities, and federal agencies; and (3) Congress should require federal agencies to comply with those designations. Health Benefit Exchanges set up under the Affordable Care Act should also comply with Section 7.

Commission Chair Martin R. Castro stated, “With the fast-approaching presidential elections and with the gutting by the U.S. Supreme Court of the pre-clearance provisions of the Voting Rights Act, the National Voter Registration Act has become an even more important cornerstone in our nation’s obligation to provide unfettered access to the franchise to all citizens. Our report points out where the National Voter Registration Act has succeeded and how it can be better enforced. We hope this contributes to increased electoral participation by all Americans.”

Founded in 1957, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights matters and issuing a federal civil rights enforcement report. For information about the Commission, please visit http://www.usccr.gov and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/usccrgov

Media Contact: Brian Walch
[email protected]
(202) 376-8371

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110524/DC08224LOGO

Adventist University of Health Sciences Announces 2016 – 2017 University Colloquium Series

September 14, 2016

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Adventist University of Health Sciences 2016 - 2017 University Colloquium Series Public seminars explore theme of "Faith and Loss": ORLANDO, FL - Sept. 14, 2016 - For the past four years, Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU) has hosted an annual University Colloquium Series, designed to engage the community in conversation around a chosen theme. This year, ADU has invited prestigious authors and speakers, all leading authorities on the subject, to address the theme "Faith and Loss".

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For the past four years, Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU) has hosted an annual University Colloquium Series, designed to engage the community in conversation around a chosen theme. This year, ADU has invited prestigious authors and speakers, all leading authorities on the subject, to address the theme “Faith and Loss”.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160914/407573

This conversation comes at a crucial, fractured time in our world’s history with devastating and senselessly violent events tearing apart communities near and far. Faith is tested in the face of tragedy and death. Through five unique seminars, speakers will explore answers on how to keep belief strong in times of adversity and hardship. You are invited to attend these free public events to consider this gritty and grace-filled topic.

An exciting calendar of events has been planned, beginning September 2016 and lasting into April 2017. The scheduled seminars and dates are:

Wednesday, September 28^th @ 7p.m., Don Williams, A Time For Every Season
- Florida Hospital Church
Tuesday, October 18^th @ 7 p.m., James Appel, Nasara: Dispatches from a District Hospital in Chad
- Florida Hospital Church
Thursday, December 8^th @ 7 p.m., Lucy Kalanithi, When Breath Becomes Air (by Paul Kalanithi)
- Orlando Museum of Art
Thursday, January 4^th – February 5^th, 2017 @ 7:30 p.m., Blackberry Winter – a play by Steve Yockey
- Orlando Theater at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Thursday, April 6^th, 2017 @ 7 p.m., Philip Yancey, The Question That Never Goes Away: Why
- Florida Hospital Church

About Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU)

Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU) is a Seventh-day Adventist institution specializing in healthcare education in a faith-affirming environment. Service-oriented and guided by the values of nurture, excellence, spirituality, and stewardship, the University seeks to develop leaders who will practice healthcare as a ministry. ADU fulfills this mission by developing skilled professionals who live the healing values of Christ.

ADU offers undergraduate and graduate programs including: Biomedical Sciences, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Sciences, Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Nursing (BSN), Nurse Anesthesia, Occupational Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Physician Assistant, and Physical Therapy. The University is associated with Florida Hospital and the Adventist Health System.

ADU embraces the benefit of whole person care as demonstrated in the life and ministry of Christ. The University is dedicated to developing skilled professionals who live the healing values of Christ. Graduates who live these values effectively extend the healing ministry of Christ.

American Honda Honors Top Performing Suppliers for 2016

September 14, 2016

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American Honda Honors Top Performing Suppliers for 2016

TORRANCE, California, Sept. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Fifteen suppliers received American Honda’s Premier Partner Award from president & CEO Toshiaki Mikoshiba in a special ceremony held today in Torrance, Calif. This year’s award recipients were selected from a pool of more than 1,000 eligible companies nominated by American Honda associates.

The Premier Partner Award winners represent multiple industries and include small businesses and minority-owned operations. These suppliers play an important role in supporting Honda businesses and operations, including Honda and Acura automobiles, automobile engines and transmissions, Honda all-terrain vehicles, power equipment products and general purpose engines. Twelve of this year’s 15 recipients are repeat winners.

“This outstanding group of Premier Partner Award recipients embodies Honda’s philosophy of exceeding customer expectations,” said Charles Harmon, American Honda’s senior manager of procurement and corporate services. “They are critical members of the extended Honda family, and we thank them for their dedication to exceptional quality and service.”

The 2016 American Honda Premier Partner Award recipients are:

Altura Associates, Inc. of Irvine, Calif. for providing consulting and development services for the Honda Environmental Leadership “Green Dealer” Program
Atlantic Container Line AB of Westfield, N.J. for providing international transporting services
BI Worldwide of Minneapolis for development and execution of customer engagement programs
Brando, Inc. of Dana Point, Calif. for providing experiential marketing services for the motorcycle and UTV/ATV segments
CDK Global of Hoffman Estates, Ill. for providing business management solutions for our powersports and marine dealers
CSI Group of Mexico for international logistics and transportation services
CSX Transportation of Jacksonville, Fla. for railway transportation services
Intrapromote, LLC of Hudson, Ohio for search engine optimization expertise and support
Jackson Dawson of Dearborn, Mich. for providing dealer training and marketing solutions
RR Donnelley of Chicago for the development and production, as well as the storing and shipping, of Monroney labels
Sinclair Printing Company of Los Angeles for printing and delivery of informational materials in our vehicles
Targetbase of Irving, Texas for marketing strategy and consultation, and development and management of proprietary customer databases
Tyco Integrated Security of Boca Raton, Fla. for providing electronic security services
Urban Science of Detroit for developing online systems that support customer retention
Virginia Transportation Corp. of West Warwick, R.I. for providing finished vehicle transportation services in the United States and Canada.

Supporting Small Businesses and Supplier Diversity

Honda is committed to the establishment of long-term relationships with all of its suppliers based on mutual benefit and trust. We work to bring greater diversity to our supply base by assisting potential ethnic minority and women-owned suppliers with workshops and other educational opportunities. The workshops provide a greater understanding of a variety of important issues including strategic alliances, capitalization and empowerment programs.

About Honda

Honda established operations in America in 1959 and now employs more than 40,000 associates in its North American sales, R&D and manufacturing operations with total capital investment in North America exceeding $22 billion. Based on its longstanding commitment to “build products close to the customer” Honda began building power sports products in America in 1979 and now operates 16 major manufacturing facilities in North America producing a wide range of Honda and Acura automobiles, automobile engines and transmissions, Honda all-terrain vehicles, power equipment products, such as lawn mowers, mini-tillers and general purpose engines, and the HondaJet advanced light jet. Honda also operates 16 major research and development centers in the U.S. with the capacity to fully design, develop and engineer many of the products Honda produces in North America.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160913/407394
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Chimayo Calling: Tsimayo Hot Sauce and Miracles

September 14, 2016

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SANTA FE, N.M., Sept. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In Fall of 2015, Washingtonian Dennis Garcia stood on his newly-acquired land in Chimayo, New Mexico. The bells of the fabled Santuario de Chimayo rang out, welcoming him home to the land of his ancestors. As he breathed in the languishing smells of the summer – fresh apples, peaches, and the poignant scent of the famed Chimayo Chile – he found something he had been traveling the world in search of. Fulfillment.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160913/407229

Garcia’s personal pilgrimage towards this moment began nearly a decade before and traversed the globe. By 40, he had accumulated all the accoutrements of a successful businessman in our nation’s capital… an alumni of the Harvard Business School, an award-winning historic home on the Potomac, a governor-appointed seat on the board of George Mason University, a designation among the 100 most influential Hispanics in The United States. But, the sale of his multimillion dollar defense contracting company had the unintended consequence of sparking a disinterest in it all.

“My life had become a never-ending circuit of DC high-society events. Even though I knew everyone in the room, and my life-long friends were surrounding me, I felt unattached. My spirit started aching for something more substantive than the next Black Tie gala, the next exclusive photo op with the latest up-and-coming politician, the next tee time with the country club set.”

Untethered from his corporate responsibilities in providing national security, the accompanying expectations of the DC social scene had become unbearably weighty. Garcia had been an All-American athlete in his youth — and his championship instincts never left him. Realizing that the main race of his life had changed from career competition to personal competition, he made a drastic decision to abandon it all and seek fulfillment in adventure.

“I trekked to the North and South poles. I climbed to the peaks of some of the world’s highest mountains… Mount Elbrus [in Russia] and Kilimanjaro [in Tanzania]. I went to South Sudan, at the end of its Civil War, right when that new nation was emerging…” He trails off for the moment, wading through some private remembrance, but recovers his focus and passion quickly. “There was still widespread massacres and torture plaguing the region, and we shot a short-form documentary to expose the conflicting religious and political agendas underlying the unrest.” He adds with a lighter air, “After that, I took some time and produced a feature-length film that premiered at SXSW in 2015. Excess Flesh.” He adds with a wink, “and, it’s not a porn.”

The junket of film fests for Excess Flesh led Garcia across Europe. He was fascinated by the architecture and art, and pleased with the audience and critical acclaim that the film met with. But, he still felt like that unattached wanderer among the DC society events, only now the party he found himself lost within was as wide as the world.

It was in the quiet of one of these nights, in the dark of one of the innumerable European hotels, that he remembered a story from his childhood, his mother telling of how their family had come from the Basque region of Spain. The story of his ancestors followed the Abeyta brothers, three devout Catholics, as they left their little village in Spain and traveled across the great ocean to Guatemala, the home of the Basilica of the Cristo Negro de Esquipulas, then up to Mexico, to regions known for veneration of the Cristo Negro de Esquipulas. From there, the brothers made their way to the Southwestern US, settling in the area of Chimayo, where Bernardo Abeyta founded the world-famous shrine to the Cross of the Esquipulas, the Santuario de Chimayo.

In that moment, the direction of Garcia’s life-race changed yet again. Calling him from the cramped cities of Europe, back to the Americas, to the great expanse of northern New Mexico. And, it was as such that soon Garcia found himself in the small village of Chimayo, standing on land he had bought, sight unseen, simply for its proximity to the Santuario and for the peace he finally felt when he first set foot on the land of his ancestors.

The almost mythological levels of belief in the miracle dirt enshrined in the Santuario parallels that of the Chimayo Chile. Today, only a handful of family farmers grow these uniquely piquant and fragrant peppers. “Chimayo Chile is part of the collective family histories of this region,” Garcia explains. “The very seeds we are using are the evolutionary descendants of the original chile seeds brought by the Spanish explorers in the 1600s.”

One cannot escape recognizing the personal implications of the history of these seeds on Garcia’s own genealogy. For over 400 years, the families here have carefully passed down these seeds and the heritage farming methods, from generation to generation. And, now Garcia has joined this tradition, being mentored by Mr. Jose Alfonso Martinez, the region’s oldest, most experienced living farmer of the Chimayo Chile. Under this tutelage, Garcia’s efforts to farm these incredibly rare peppers has evolved to include preservation of the legacy and integrity of this crop.

Garcia freely shared the first of his crop with family and friends, according to the tradition of the region. But, the bounty was excessive and wherever he went he was met with commercial demand. Within days of making his chile available for purchase, the crop sold out. The unexpectedly high demand for such a rare product spurred the idea of creating a Chimayo Chile-based sauce that could meet the growing demands of a nationwide market. And, thus, Tsimayo Hot Sauce was born.

Although Garcia’s crop is based on the true Chimayo Chile, he chose the name Tsimayo, recalling the Tewah Indians who cultivated the land prior to the arrival of those first Spanish explorers. According to legend, the Tewah believed the earth and mud of this region had heavenly properties, particularly the red obsidian, the ‘tsimayo’.

The idea of Chimayo land having heavenly attributes persists to this day. Garcia’s Chimayo Chile grows across from the Santuario de Chimayo. “Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel here each year, just to get a pinch of the miracle dirt that my ancestor found. Now, my chile grows in that very dirt. They embody the very miracles that draw people here, that inspired Bernardo, that inspired the Tewah before him,” Garcia says. To me, it is clear that Garcia has found his own miracle… one of belonging, one of his own roots, one that he can now share with the world.

Tsimayo Hot Sauce will be on shelves in 2017.

CONTACT
Jennifer van Velkinburgh
+1-505-231-2644
[email protected]

A New Location, Tropical Music, Authentic Food and Arts and an Exotic Car Show will Headline Houston’s 10th Annual Puerto Rican and Cuban Festival

September 14, 2016

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HOUSTON, Sept. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Lovers of all things Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic will gather for the 10th consecutive year in Houston to celebrate the musical, cultural and culinary heritage of the three islands. The Internationally recognized PRC Festival is again the biggest event bringing Salsa, Merengue, Bomba, Plena and Hispanic Caribbean culture west of the Mississippi.

Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxGEkwzfm-g

A group of artists headlined by world famous musical acts will bring the heat to satisfy the most demanding salseros, bachateros, merengueros and reggaetoneros. They will be backed by hundreds of local artists, including dancers from the local Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican communities. The best of tropical music all day long.

The PRC Festival will feature a special Puerto Rican Folkloric music act and a Cuban Comparsa by members of the Houston community. Festival goers will walk among shops of authentic food, arts, souvenirs and fine crafts. This year, surprise events and attractions will make for the most dynamic PRC Festival yet.

After 10 years of continued support, PRC Festival wants to give back to the community. Proceeds from sales will be donated to Spirit Wellness for Women and the initiative Comunidad will bring information to our community about personal and professional growth opportunities across the Texas region.

PRC Festival Presenting Sponsors include; Bud Light, Fiesta Marts and Telemundo Houston. Goya Foods, Cidrines, Gillman Honda are also sponsors.

For more information visit: prcfestival.com and for tickets: PRC Festival Tickets

About PRC Festival: PRC (Puerto Rican & Cuban) Festival is a one-day cultural event that includes music, dancing, food, Spanish Caribbean tradition and education. The annual PRC Festival attracts more than 25,000 fans in Downtown Houston during the fall. With top salsa, merengue, plena and bachata acts, PRC Festival entertains Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, and Houstonians who love Caribbean music, regardless of their countries of origin. For more information, please visit prcfestival.com, #PRCFestHTX and PRC Fest Facebook Page.

Festival logistics and media: Javier Ferrer, 713-446-1027 [email protected]

(Español) Pablo Soria de Lachica – Apoya Atletas Paralímpicos de Uruguay

September 13, 2016

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Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

2/3 of Preterm Births Have No Known Biological Explanation: Finding Comes From First Comparative Study of Women with Preterm Birth in High Income Countries

September 13, 2016

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WHITE PLAINS, New York, Sept. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A first-of-its-kind multi-country analysis has determined that all known risk factors combined cannot account for two-thirds of the preterm births in high-income nations, including the United States, providing a more precise estimate than previously available.

The study was published today in PLOS ONE by researchers who represent the March of Dimes/FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) Working Group for Preterm Birth Prevention.

The researchers say that their unprecedented individual patient-level dataset, about five times larger than any used previously — and the first that is cross-country — and newly applied analytic approaches allowed them to make this and several other intriguing advances with the study.

“Preterm birth is the leading cause of death for children under age 5 around the world, but we can’t reliably prevent two-thirds with existing interventions,” said Joe Leigh Simpson, MD, March of Dimes Senior Vice President for Research and Global Programs and the corresponding author.

The researchers studied individual patient-level data from approximately 4.1 million singleton pregnancies, including 2.8 million from four Very High Human Development Index (VHHDI) countries– New Zealand, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Sweden — and 1.3 million from California as a comparator U.S. state. They confirmed that prior preterm birth and preeclampsia are the two strongest individual risk factors for preterm birth worldwide. Independent of all other associated risk factors, nulliparity (never having born a baby before) and male baby sex are top contributors overall to the population preterm rate. There is no plausible biological explanation for two-thirds (more than 65 percent) of preterm birth, the researchers say.

“This finding confirms the wisdom of the March of Dimes decision to invest in 2010 in a network of five Prematurity Research Centers bringing together the brightest minds from many diverse disciplines of science to find the unknown causes of preterm birth,” Dr. Simpson said. “This complements the March of Dimes National Prematurity Campaign to improve delivery of the known and effective treatments and interventions.”

Having a prior spontaneous preterm birth remains the number one risk factor for preterm birth. The authors of today’s paper say the biological explanations yet to be found for this will mostly likely include genetic, epigenetic, immunological, microbiological, anatomical, or environmental causes. The origins of preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure in pregnancy) also remain a medical mystery.

Dr. Simpson noted that an individual woman’s increased risk of preterm birth conferred by nulliparity and male baby sex is not as high as the risk from prior preterm birth or preeclampsia. However, because many more pregnancies involve first babies or male sex, the impact is greater in the overall population. He said there is no known biological explanation for why male sex or nulliparity confers increased risk.

About 15 million babies worldwide are born preterm each year, and about one million of them die as a result. Preterm birth is the #1 killer of babies in the United States. Babies who survive an early birth may have lifelong health problems such as cerebral palsy, vision and hearing loss, and intellectual disabilities.

Cross-Country Individual Participant Analysis of 4.1 Million Singleton Births in 5 Countries with Very High Human Development Index Confirms Known Associations but Provides No Biologic Explanation for 2/3 of All Preterm Births, by David M. Ferrero and colleagues appeared today in PLOS ONE, a journal of the Public Library of Science. March of Dimes co-authors were Jennifer L. Howse, Christopher P. Howson and Joe Leigh Simpson.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and health information, visit our websites marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

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