[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The annual Him-Dak Museum Celebration commemorates the Him-Dak Eco Museum and its role in preserving the history of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. The museum displays artifacts and other historic objects. This year’s Him-Dak Museum Celebration takes place on Saturday, April 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The day offers fun for the whole family, beginning with the 5K Color Fun Run/Walk. The Color Fun Run/Walk takes off right at 8:00 a.m. from the Youth Council Building (the old fire station) and ends at the museum. Register on-site starting at 7:30 a.m. on April 7. After the run/walk, come back to the museum, located at 47685 N. Eco Museum Road, Maricopa, for a full day of activity. Performers and artists will demonstrate cultural dances and artwork from the Ak-Chin Indian Community and other Native American Communities. Past yearly celebrations have included performances from the Morning Star Leadership Youth Council, Native American hoop dancer Kevin Duncan, Yaqui deer dancer Norberto Coronado, the San Juan Kwaliya Dance Group, and bird dancing and singing by the river with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Artist demonstrations often include work by local artists including basket weaver Sally Antone and oil painters Joseph Smith and Dwayne Antone. There will also be art and food vendors and information booths, along with face painting and bounce houses for the kids to enjoy. Bring the whole family! This year’s Him-Dak Museum Celebration theme, “Honoring our first language,” honors the goal of the Ak-Chin Indian Community to help keep the original language alive among the generations. The Him-Dak Celebration fills the day with fun and informative activities, while also observing the vital role of the museum in preserving the history of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Come for all or part of the day, and you’re sure to enjoy your time! For more information, contact the Museum main office, 520-568-1350.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
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.
