[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Earth Day is on Friday, April 22 and The Ak-Chin Indian Community is looking forward to observing this important day with the theme “Make Every Day Earth Day.” The day will begin with more than 100 volunteers from the Ak-Chin Indian Community and Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino participating in the annual Adopt-A-Highway cleanup event. Fashion and art contests will also take place, with items on display and winners announced during the celebration luncheon beginning at 12:30 p.m. at Elements Event Center at Ak-Chin Circle.
Congratulations to the winner of this year’s Earth Day T-shirt Art Contest, Dale Ohnmeis. The contest was open to Ak-Chin Indian Community members, residents, and employees of all ages. Entry requirements were to reflect protection and preservation of the environment and our natural resources, and must also embody the theme, “Make Every Day Earth Day.”
Turn your materials into fashion for the Earth Day Recycled Fashion Contest. The contest is open to all but is limited to the first 20 contestants. The first-place winner will receive an iPad Mini 2. Entries are to be turned in at the Wastewater Reclamation Department, within the Environmental Protection Department building, located at 46200 W. Ralph Street, Maricopa, AZ 85139 and entries are due Monday, April 11, by 5 p.m. Contestants are required to use recycled materials to design a clothing item or accessory, and more than 75 percent of the design should come from recycled materials. Judging will be based on originality, creativity, and the use of recycled materials. Last year’s winner, Holly Antone, designed a recycled paper dress for the contest. For more information about the Recycled Fashion Contest, contact Errol Blackwater, 520-568-1176 or eblackwater@ak-chin.nsn.us. The Ak-Chin Indian Community Environmental Protection Department’s Recycled Art Contest also offers the opportunity to use recycled materials in creative ways. More than 50 percent of the final work of art – drawing, painting, sculpture, and jewelry – must consist of recycled materials. The contest age groups include Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School, and Adult. Only one entry per person is allowed and the contest is open to anyone who wants to enter, there are no restrictions. The overall grand prize winner will receive an iPad Mini 2 and a commemorative plaque. The first-place winner in each age group will receive a $25 gift card and a ribbon. Second and third place winners will receive ribbons to commemorate their award. Entries are due by 5 p.m. Monday, April 11, at the Ak-Chin Water Reclamation Facility, 46200 W. Ralph Street, Maricopa, 85139.
A luncheon will be held for all of the volunteers participating in the annual Adopt-A-Highway cleanup event, at no cost. Winners of both the fashion and art contests will be announced at the luncheon held at the Elements Event Center at Ak-Chin Circle. Art displays and runway modeling of fashion entries begin at 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a wonderful Earth Day 2016.[/vc_column_text][rev_slider_vc alias=”akchinslider”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.
