San Pedro Film Festival Opening Night Red Carpet
Chimera directed by Maurice Haeems

WHO:              Amazon Eve of Chimera, Perry King of The Divide directed by Jana Brown

WHERE:          Warner Grand Theatre
478 W. 6^th Street
San Pedro, CA 90731

WHEN:            Oct 5^th, 6pm

WHAT:             It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World 55^th Anniversary
Closing Night Film 7^th Annual San Pedro Film Festival

WHERE:          Warner Grand Theatre
478 W. 6^th Street
San Pedro, CA 90731

WHEN:             October 7, 5pm

WHY:   55^th Anniversary screening of Stanley Kramer’s comedy classic. It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World 55th Anniversary! Relive the madcap cross-country treasure hunt that ends up right here in San Pedro!

We are so excited to announce that Karen Sharpe-Kramer and Katharine “Kat” Kramer, widow and daughter of the film’s creator/producer/director Stanley Kramer, will introduce the film!

WEBSITE:        www.SPIFFest.org

Hotwire, a leading online travel site, today announced its biggest sale of the year, addressing the travel woes of millions this Fourth of July, which for the first time in six years inconveniently falls on a Wednesday. “The Hotwire Effect XL Sale” gives travelers the ultimate freedom to book participating 4 or 5-star hotels the weekend before, during, or the weekend after the Fourth of July holiday for a set price of just $49 per night — an average savings of $157 each night.

“At Hotwire, we know how much everyone looks forward to celebrating America’s independence with family and friends on the 4th of July – me included! Since the 4th falls mid-week this year, it’s harder for people to find the time to get away with family and friends, so we are super excited to give everyone the freedom to travel around the 4th of July with our biggest sale of the year: The Hotwire Effect XL,” commented Hotwire President Neha Parikh. “With this sale, travelers will be able to experience luxury hotels in America’s hottest destinations for just $49 per night and they will have the freedom to travel the weekend before, during or the weekend after the 4th of July!”

The Hotwire Effect XL Sale gives travelers the opportunity to choose travel dates between June 28 to July 8, making an extra long weekend possible or even a short “staycation” if taking more time off of work isn’t an option. During this time, travelers can book 4 and 5-star hotel properties in eight of America’s most-traveled 4th of July destinations according to Hotwire 2017 booking data. The Hotwire Effect XL Sale cities where travelers can find $49 per night values are:

• Austin (vs. average $179/night)
• Chicago (vs. average $169/night)
• Los Angeles (vs. average $179/night)
• Miami (vs. average $139/night)
• New York (vs. average $167/night)
• Orlando (vs. average $140/night)
• San Francisco (vs. average $189/night)
• Washington D.C. (vs. average $133/night)

“Offering luxury 4 and 5-star hotels for just $49 is truly an incredible deal which won’t last long, so travelers need to act fast to feel the Hotwire Effect,” continued Parikh, who noted that the booking window begins on June 26 and remains while supplies last. The fixed $49 per night fare applies to the first two nights of travel in the June 28-July 8 timeframe.

The sale epitomizes Hotwire’s simple, yet powerful value proposition: by hiding the name of the hotel until after booking, Hotwire allows customers to find 4-star hotels at 2-star prices. In this same spirit, earlier this month the brand launched its latest advertising campaign, “The Hotwire Effect.” The campaign is aimed at reinforcing the brand’s distinct ability to unlock the kind of deep value travelers will discover this Fourth of July holiday. The series of three spots features Hotwire’s signature jingle and fun travel scenarios where high hotel prices are slashed while a giant finger masks the hotel name. The three 15-second commercial spots appear on NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, ESPN, CBS and HGTV, and can also be viewed online at www.youtube.com/user/HotwireTravel.

Hotwire subscribers get early access to the sale by signing up here: https://www.hotwire.com/hotels/sale. The sale officially kicks off June 26.

For more information on The Hotwire Effect XL Sale, or to book a 4-star hotel at 2-star prices, visit www.hotwire.com/xlsale.

 Credit:

About Hotwire

Hotwire is a leading discount travel site. Launched in 2000, Hotwire, Inc. was one of the first online travel sites to work with suppliers directly to book unsold inventory. By simply hiding the brand name, Hotwire can offer customers deep savings on hotel rooms, rental cars, flights and vacation packages. Hotwire is an operating company within Expedia Group. For more information, visit http://www.hotwire.com.

Giving your kids the best possible education is extremely important. A good education sets them on course for finding a great job and enjoying the whole world around them. Education holds the key to exploring the world around you with eager eyes. Therefore, as a parent, you should try to encourage your kids to learn, and cheer them on when they do. Giving your kids a great education is far more than just sending them to school, as you must be on hand to give them answers to their many questions and foster interests in being creative too. There are no rules when it comes to educating your children as long as they understand the importance of being kind and respectful to others as well as staying safe.

Find The Perfect School         

Finding the perfect school to send your kids to can feel like a never-ending task. However, you need to start looking at various establishments early and attend open days. Finding the perfect school for your child might take some time but your efforts will be worth it when your child is happy, settled, and engaged in learning further down the line. Give your kids a great education by selecting the schools that are recognized for the reputation and history of academic excellence. One incredible school to consider is St Mary’s Private School located in beautiful Oxfordshire. As well as excellence in education, it also features a program of varied extra-curricular activities. Conduct some research on the schools you’re applying to and listen to some testimonials from students, present and past.

Start From A Young Age

Spark your children’s desire to learn from a young age by placing them in nursery schools so that they learn how to play and interact with other children, and to continue teaching them at home. Teaching at home doesn’t necessarily have to mean sitting down at the dinner table with books. Instead, it can involve getting your kids playing outside and learning about wildlife and ecosystems. You can foster interests in music by getting a musical instrument for them to play, listening to music and taking them to concerts close to you. Give your kids a great education by keeping their activities varied and fun. Try to take your young toddler to groups held at the library so that they can integrate with others alongside engaging in reading and learning.

Answer Their Questions

Kids have very inquisitive minds and they seem to have endless questions. You should always try and give honest and open answers to your kid’s questions, as otherwise, they can become confused and misinformed. Answer questions truthfully and honestly, and let your kids know that you’ll do your best to help them make sense of the world. Many things are brand new to children, so it’s your responsibility as a parent to introduce them to new experiences and help develop their intrigue and drive for to learn. Give your kids a great education by taking them to new places, to see new sights, eat new foods, learn languages and so on. Explore with your children and give them the very best, loving, and informative start in life.

Sesame Place^®, the nation’s only theme park based entirely on the award-winning show Sesame Street^®, in conjunction with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), today announced the completion of a staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training at the theme park.  The completiondesignates Sesame Place as a Certified Autism Center (CAC) as distinguished by IBCCES, — the first theme park in the world to receive such a distinction. The certification aligns with National Autism Awareness Month and comes as the park readies for its 38^th season, opening on April 28, 2018.

For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel options, and in response, created training and certification programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry.

As a Certified Autism Center, Sesame Place is required to provide ongoing training to ensure that team members have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament, and expertise to interact with all families and children with special needs, specifically on the autism spectrum. Training takes place in the areas of sensory awareness, environment, communication, motor and social skills, program development, and emotional awareness as well as a comprehensive autism competency exam.  The autism training must be taken every two years in order to maintain the certification.

“As the first theme park in the world to complete the training and become a CAC, Sesame Place is better equipped to offer families inclusive activities for children with autism and other special needs,” explained Sesame Place park president Cathy Valeriano.  Robust pre-visit planning resources will be added to the park’s website including a sensory guide, developed by IBCCES.  This sensory guide will make it easier for parents to plan activities that satisfy their child’s specific needs and accommodations by providing insight on how a child with sensory processing issues may be affected by each sense for each attraction.  The park will also have two quiet rooms located on Sesame Island.  These rooms will have adjustable lighting, and a comfortable seating area for guests to take a break.

Sesame Place’s certification aligns with Sesame Workshop’s commitment to increasing awareness and understanding of autism.  Sesame Workshop launched the Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative in 2015 and Julia, a Sesame Street Muppet with autism, came to life on the award-winning broadcast last spring, signaling a strong, continuing commitment to the autism community.  Julia made her debut at Sesame Place in 2017 as a walkaround character and is available for guest meet & greets. The park is developing in-park programs that will be implemented this season giving guests additional opportunities to interact with Julia.

“Since her debut, Sesame Street’s Julia has touched the lives of millions of children and families around the world and we’re proud that partners like Sesame Place are committed to providing autism-friendly experiences,” said Scott Chambers, Senior Vice President and General Manager, North America Media and Licensing, Sesame Workshop.  “We applaud them for earning this distinction.”

“IBCCES works with leading travel destinations to create safe, sensory-compatible travel options for parents and individuals on the spectrum. Our Certified Autism Center designation is awarded to premier organizations around the globe that have completed rigorous training and meet the highest industry standards,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. “Sesame Place is ideal because of its accessibility to families and convenient location, as well as everything the organization has done to be inclusive for all. The CAC certification helps give parents and other guests on the spectrum peace of mind when visiting a new destination or attraction.”

“Sesame Place is honored to be leading the theme park industry through our commitment to making our facility friendly for families with children on the spectrum,” added Valeriano.  “We’re dedicated to providing all of our guests with an exceptional and memorable experience.  We look forward to applying this training and expanding our commitment to help spread awareness about autism.”

Credit:

About IBCCES

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) was established in 2001 to meet the training and credentialing needs of professionals who work with individuals with special needs. IBCCES has since expanded into over 40 different countries with training centers in the United States and Singapore and members all across the globe. Our Certified Autism Specialist, Board Certified Cognitive Specialist and Certified Autism Center credentials were established with the highest standards in the industry. As a result, our programs have become the benchmark for those who work with cognitive disorders around the globe. In addition, IBCCES created and hosts the annual International Symposium on Cognitive Research & Disorders.  This global event brings together top neurologists, education leaders and healthcare experts with a focus on research, innovation and collaboration. For information about training and certification, visit ibcces.org

About Sesame Place®

Sesame Place®, the only theme park in the U.S. based entirely on the award-winning show, Sesame Street®, is ideal for families and kids of all ages.   Conveniently located just 30 minutes from Philadelphia and 90 minutes from New York City, the park has over 25 attractions, three live shows, a daily parade and of course, everyone’s favorite furry friends.  NEW IN SPRING 2018: the biggest, most exciting roller coaster ever – Oscar’s Wacky Taxi™! The new wooden-steel hybrid roller coaster will take thrill seekers of all sizes on a crazy, curvy taxi cab ride, with everyone’s favorite grouch at the helm.  Before little kids become big kids, go before they grow® to the nation’s only theme park based entirely on Sesame Street®.  For more information, visit www.sesameplace.com.or call 1-215-752-ELMO.

On Saturday, April 7, 2018, outdoor enthusiasts and trail lovers nationwide will kick off the spring trail season as part of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s (RTC) sixth annual Opening Day for Trails (Opening Day).

Opening Day, RTC’s annual celebration of trails nationwide, serves as the unofficial launch of the spring trail season. Event organizers and volunteers from across the country have arranged hiking, biking, running and other outdoor activities to celebrate trails and the benefits they bring to their communities, including more than 100 bike rides organized by Performance Bicycle.

WHAT:                Opening Day, a national event organized by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy to celebrate the launch of the spring trail season.

Find events and pledge to take part at railstotrails.org/openingday

WHEN:                April 7, 2018 (see event details for specific times)

WHERE:              More than 125 events will take place nationwide. Find events at

railstotrails.org/openingday

For more information about Opening Day, to find events and to enter the Opening Day sweepstakes, visit railstotrails.org/openingday and follow #RTCOpeningDay on social media. Opening Day is sponsored by Fuji Bikes, Performance Bicycle, KEEN, Topo Design and Patagonia.

Opening Day is an annual celebration organized by RTC to kick off the spring trail season. RTC is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Share Opening Day stories by using #RTCOpeningDay.

Credit: Rails to trails.