President Clinton Announces Four New Commitments to Provide Solar Energy to Haiti
Leads High Level Energy Delegation of Executives on Site Visits in Haiti’s Central Plateau
New York, NY—Today, President Bill Clinton announced four new commitments to provide solar energy to Haiti by Clinton Foundation partners. The announcement came after a three-day trip to Haiti to visit project sites featuring solar energy installations. He was accompanied by senior executives of large energy corporations from around the world, including China, Israel, and Ireland, as well as directors of large foundations interested in supporting projects in the energy sector. The trip was co-hosted by David Crane, CEO of NRG Energy. Together, they toured sites in Haiti’s Central Plateau to view the progress of solar power installations funded by the $1 million commitment made through the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) by NRG and their implementing partner, the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF).
“These projects all show the power solar energy has to transform the lives of thousands of Haitians,” said President Clinton. “They provide better opportunities for students to learn, entrepreneurs to create jobs, doctors to care for the sick, lower the cost of electricity and improve the environment. I am proud that my Foundation’s partners have committed to provide even more solar power to the people of Haiti, and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to see this work in action.”
Clinton Foundation partners announced four new commitments to provide solar energy to Haitians during these visits with President Clinton.
Trina Solar, working closely with NRG, has already donated solar power to support the Lashto Fish Farm and the Zamni Beni Orphanage. Now, through their donation of 69 kilowatts (approximately 300 panels), they will provide solar power to approximately 20 schools in the Central Plateau region of Haiti. This will allow students to use computers and other technologies, and the schools to hold adult literacy classes and vocational training programs at night.
"The impact of getting like minded government representatives and industry leaders from around the globe focused on a common problem is evident from this trip,” said Mark Kingsley, CCO of Trina Solar. "We remain committed to supporting these important efforts. It is not only important to make a great product, but to be a good company."
Matt Petersen, Global Green USA's President and CEO, announced a partnership with the SunPower Foundation to deliver 100 kilowatts of solar photovoltaic to help power schools and other community facilities in Haiti. Global Green's local partners, including the Ciné Institute, the Artists for Peace and Justice school in Port-au-Prince, Habitat for Humanity, and Heifer International, will receive solar power to provide clean energy for their projects. The Clinton Foundation will continue to work with Global Green to identify additional partners and projects in Haiti in the coming weeks.
“Our commitment to provide solar power to Haiti will empower local schools and other community facilities, and give students a great place to study and learn while reducing dependency on expensive diesel power and polluting fossil fuels,” said Petersen. “I look forward to partnering with the Clinton Foundation as we grow and identify new opportunities to harness the power of the sun by expanding the use of solar power in Haiti.”
Jonathan Pickering, President of the America’s Region, JA Solar announced that JA Solar will donate 94 kilowatts of solar panels (approximately 400 panels) to the Caribbean Harvest Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at creating a commercial fishing industry for Haiti. These panels will be installed at the Caribbean Harvest fish hatchery in Croix des Bouquets, and will more than double their current solar capacity, increasing the hatchery’s capacity to harvest fish and create new jobs.
Finally, Greif, in addition to providing a $125,000 grant to the pediatric wing of the new Partners in Health Mirebalais Hospital, will donate two fully equipped General Electric Habihut units that utilize zeeweed ultra filtration systems powered by integrated solar panels. These units will be able to generate all of their own power needed for water filtration purposes so they are completely self contained units. The Clinton Foundation will work with Greif to place these units in underserved communities in need of both solar power and clean water. These units create enough power to also serve as cell-phone charging stations, creating local entrepreneurship by providing individuals the ability to sell water and electricity.
The site visits included the Boucan Carré Health Center, the first clinic to be solarized by SELF; the Lashto Fish Farm, a new extension of the fish hatchery that is now solar powered thanks to NRG Energy and SELF; the Bon Berger De Doman School, a Digicel-funded school with solar power; and finally the new Partners in Health Mirebalais teaching hospital. This hospital, when completed, will have the largest solar installation in the country and will operate almost entirely on solar power.
These projects reflect the Clinton Foundation’s longstanding commitment to building Haiti’s green energy structure. The Foundation has worked with a variety of green technology organizations in Haiti, including NRG and SELF, to address Haiti’s high energy costs, low electrification rates, and high dependency on fossil fuels. Clinton Foundation partners are working on low-cost clean energy alternatives, creating recycling systems to help manage Haiti’s waste, and developing new methods for cooking through effective cook stoves and recycled briquettes to replace charcoal.
President Clinton was joined by executives and directors, including David Crane, CEO, NRG Energy; Bob Freling, Executive Director, SELF; Paul Farmer, Founder, Partners in Health; Valentin Abe, Founder, Caribbean Harvest; Mark Kingsley, CCO, Trina Solar; Jonathan Pickering , President of the America’s Region, JA Solar; Enda Kelly, Partner in Charge, C+F Green Energy; Josef Abramowitz, Founder and CEO, Gigawatt Global; Jerry Stokes, President of Suntech Europe; David B. Fischer, CEO of Greif; Amy Herskovitz, Executive Vice President, Pershing Square Foundation; Matt Petersen, President and CEO, Global Green USA; Aaron Charlop-Powers, Haiti Consultant, Pershing Square Foundation; Ambassador Timothy M. Carney, Executive Vice President, Clinton Bush Haiti Fund; Jean-Louis Warnholz, Senior Advisor to the Counselor, State Department; Pierre Noel, President, Haiti Fund at the Boston Foundation; Marianne d'Ansembourg, Senior Advisor, Haiti Adolescent Girl Network; Steve Toben, President, Flora Family Foundation; Joe Cashion, Energy Consultant, Industrial Revolution II; and Jim Ansara, Construction Manager, Mirebalais Hospital.
About the Clinton Foundation
Building on a lifetime of public service, President Bill Clinton established the William J. Clinton Foundation with the mission to improve global health, strengthen economies, promote healthier childhoods, and protect the environment by fostering partnerships among governments, businesses, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and private citizens to turn good intentions into measurable results. Since 2001, President Clinton's vision and leadership have resulted in more than 4 million people benefiting from lifesaving HIV/AIDS treatment; more than 14,000 U.S. schools building healthier learning environments; more than 26,000 micro-entrepreneurs, small business owners, and smallholder farmers improving their livelihoods and communities; and more than 2 million tons of greenhouse gases cut or abated in some of the world's largest cities. And President Clinton has redefined the way we think about giving and philanthropy through his Clinton Global Initiative, whose members have made more than 2,100 commitments that are improving the lives of nearly 400 million people in more than 180 countries.
About the Clinton Foundation Haiti Fund
The Clinton Foundation has been actively engaged in Haiti since 2009, focusing on private sector investment and job creation in order to create long-term, sustainable economic development. After the earthquake in 2010, the Clinton Foundation raised $16.4 million from individual donors for immediate earthquake relief efforts; these funds paid for crucial emergency supplies such as water, food, shelter and medicine. Since 2010, the Clinton Foundation has spent a total of $23 million in Haiti, including relief funds as well as projects focused on priority areas such as housing, cholera prevention and support for the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission, a body developed to coordinate donor aid to Haiti, co-chaired by President Clinton. The Clinton Foundation has also successfully engaged a variety of partners to bring important investment and jobs to Haiti. In 2011, the Clinton Foundation refocused its efforts in Haiti on long -term development and strategic planning, putting emphasis on private sector investment and job creation as well as capacity building and education.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
President Clinton to travel to Haiti
Tuesday, March 6, President Bill Clinton will travel to Haiti.
On Wednesday, March 7, President Clinton will visit several sites with solar energy installations with Bob Freling, Executive Director of SELF, and NRG Energy CEO, David Crane, who is co-hosting the trip.
In the morning, President Clinton and Dr. Paul Farmer, founder of Partners in Health, will take a tour of the Partners in Health Boucan Carré Health Clinic. The visit will be open press.
Following the health clinic tour, President Clinton will visit the Lashto Fish Farm in Boucan Carré. He will be accompanied by Dr. Valentin Abe, Founder of Caribbean Harvest, on this visit, which will be open press.
Later, President Clinton will tour the Bon Bergen School in Domond. This school was donated by the Digicel Foundation and the tour will be open press.
Following the school tour, President Clinton and Dr. Farmer will visit the PIH Teaching Hospital in Mirebalais. This visit will be open press.
On Thursday, March 7, President Clinton will tour St. Damien’s. This school visit will be open press.
President Clinton will be joined by executives and directors of large corporations, including David Crane, CEO, NRG Energy; Bob Freling, Executive Director, SELF; Paul Farmer, Founder, Partners in Health; Valentin Abe, Founder, Caribbean Harvest; Rolando Gonzalez-Bunster, CEO of Basic Energy; Josef Abramowitz, Founder and CEO, Gigawatt Global; Jerry Stokes, President of Suntech Europe; David B. Fischer, CEO of Greif; Amy Herskovitz, Executive Vice President, Pershing Square Foundation; Mark Kingsley, CCO, Trina Solar; Aaron Charlop-Powers, Haiti Consultant, Pershing Square Foundation; Ambassador Timothy M. Carney, Executive Vice President, Clinton Bush Haiti Fund; Jean-Louis Warnholz, Senior Advisor to the Counselor, State Department; Pierre Noel, President, Haiti Fund at the Boston Foundation; Marianne d'Ansembourg, Senior Advisor, Haiti Adolescent Girl Network; Steve Toben, President, Flora Family Foundation; Eric Gimon, Flora Family Foundation; Joe Cashion, Energy Consultant, Industrial Revolution II; Matt Petersen, President and CEO, Global Green USA; Jonathan Pickering , President of the America’s Region, JA Solar; Enda Kelly, Partner in Charge, C+F Green Energy; and Jim Ansara , Construction Manager, Mirebalais Hospital.
To cover these events, please RSVP to press@clintonfoundation.org.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
10:00 AM EST President Clinton visits PIH Boucan Carré Health Clinic
Boucan Carré, Central Plateau
OPEN PRESS
11:00 AM EST
President Clinton visits Lashto Fish Farm
Boucan Carré, Central Plateau
OPEN PRESS
12:15 PM EST
President Clinton tours the Bon Berger de Domond School
Central Plateau
OPEN PRESS
1:30 PM EST
President Clinton visits PIH Mirebalais Teaching Hospital
Mirebalais
OPEN PRESS
Thursday, March 8, 2012
1:00 PM EST
President Clinton tours St. Damien’s School
St. Damien’s Hospital Complex
Near Port-au-Prince Airport
OPEN PRESS
###
Tuesday, March 6, President Bill Clinton will travel to Haiti.
On Wednesday, March 7, President Clinton will visit several sites with solar energy installations with Bob Freling, Executive Director of SELF, and NRG Energy CEO, David Crane, who is co-hosting the trip.
In the morning, President Clinton and Dr. Paul Farmer, founder of Partners in Health, will take a tour of the Partners in Health Boucan Carré Health Clinic. The visit will be open press.
Following the health clinic tour, President Clinton will visit the Lashto Fish Farm in Boucan Carré. He will be accompanied by Dr. Valentin Abe, Founder of Caribbean Harvest, on this visit, which will be open press.
Later, President Clinton will tour the Bon Bergen School in Domond. This school was donated by the Digicel Foundation and the tour will be open press.
Following the school tour, President Clinton and Dr. Farmer will visit the PIH Teaching Hospital in Mirebalais. This visit will be open press.
On Thursday, March 7, President Clinton will tour St. Damien’s. This school visit will be open press.
President Clinton will be joined by executives and directors of large corporations, including David Crane, CEO, NRG Energy; Bob Freling, Executive Director, SELF; Paul Farmer, Founder, Partners in Health; Valentin Abe, Founder, Caribbean Harvest; Rolando Gonzalez-Bunster, CEO of Basic Energy; Josef Abramowitz, Founder and CEO, Gigawatt Global; Jerry Stokes, President of Suntech Europe; David B. Fischer, CEO of Greif; Amy Herskovitz, Executive Vice President, Pershing Square Foundation; Mark Kingsley, CCO, Trina Solar; Aaron Charlop-Powers, Haiti Consultant, Pershing Square Foundation; Ambassador Timothy M. Carney, Executive Vice President, Clinton Bush Haiti Fund; Jean-Louis Warnholz, Senior Advisor to the Counselor, State Department; Pierre Noel, President, Haiti Fund at the Boston Foundation; Marianne d'Ansembourg, Senior Advisor, Haiti Adolescent Girl Network; Steve Toben, President, Flora Family Foundation; Eric Gimon, Flora Family Foundation; Joe Cashion, Energy Consultant, Industrial Revolution II; Matt Petersen, President and CEO, Global Green USA; Jonathan Pickering , President of the America’s Region, JA Solar; Enda Kelly, Partner in Charge, C+F Green Energy; and Jim Ansara , Construction Manager, Mirebalais Hospital.
To cover these events, please RSVP to press@clintonfoundation.org.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
10:00 AM EST President Clinton visits PIH Boucan Carré Health Clinic
Boucan Carré, Central Plateau
OPEN PRESS
11:00 AM EST
President Clinton visits Lashto Fish Farm
Boucan Carré, Central Plateau
OPEN PRESS
12:15 PM EST
President Clinton tours the Bon Berger de Domond School
Central Plateau
OPEN PRESS
1:30 PM EST
President Clinton visits PIH Mirebalais Teaching Hospital
Mirebalais
OPEN PRESS
Thursday, March 8, 2012
1:00 PM EST
President Clinton tours St. Damien’s School
St. Damien’s Hospital Complex
Near Port-au-Prince Airport
OPEN PRESS
###
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Whisky brand Smokehead releases new limited Rock Edition
Smokehead, the rich and powerful Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Ian Macleod Distillers, has released a new limited Rock Edition to celebrate its credentials as the rock n’ roll spirit of choice for 2012.
The limited edition evolves from the design of Smokehead’s existing tactile metal presentation tin, demanding attention with the introduction of a smoking skull, the time-honoured symbol of rock. Cocooned within the skull are the many adjectives that capture the Single Malt’s boisterous, outrageous, and deep peaty flavours.
Like the original award-winning packaging, The Rock Edition maximises its impact using embossed and debossed techniques to heighten the 3-D ‘reality’ of the new skull design and create a premium feel. The main Smokehead branding is also embossed, while a square letterpress block motif on the rear of the tin, reflecting the bottle label design is joined by a full flavour descriptor that also highlights Smokehead’s connection with music.
Entering its third year as the official drinks sponsor of The Marshall Ultimate Band Contest, the unsigned band showdown, in partnership with legendary Marshall Amps and Lick Library, Smokehead has also established itself as the drink of choice at big rock events including the annual Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards 2009-2011. The must attend event for rock artists and industry heavyweights, previous attendees have included iconic rock legends Slash, Brian May, Jeff Beck and Gene Simmons.
A rich, seaweedy and intensely peaty Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Smokehead is not for the faint hearted. With immense fresh and fruity flavours that burst with notes of sherry, iodine, toffee, smoke and sea salt, Smokehead hits the palate like a cannonball.
Smokehead ‘The Rock Edition’ will be available in the UK and international markets throughout 2012. Smokehead is widely available throughout the UK and worldwide, RRP £33.49. Details of some stockists can be found on the website www.smokehead.com
Smokehead, the rich and powerful Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Ian Macleod Distillers, has released a new limited Rock Edition to celebrate its credentials as the rock n’ roll spirit of choice for 2012.
The limited edition evolves from the design of Smokehead’s existing tactile metal presentation tin, demanding attention with the introduction of a smoking skull, the time-honoured symbol of rock. Cocooned within the skull are the many adjectives that capture the Single Malt’s boisterous, outrageous, and deep peaty flavours.
Like the original award-winning packaging, The Rock Edition maximises its impact using embossed and debossed techniques to heighten the 3-D ‘reality’ of the new skull design and create a premium feel. The main Smokehead branding is also embossed, while a square letterpress block motif on the rear of the tin, reflecting the bottle label design is joined by a full flavour descriptor that also highlights Smokehead’s connection with music.
Entering its third year as the official drinks sponsor of The Marshall Ultimate Band Contest, the unsigned band showdown, in partnership with legendary Marshall Amps and Lick Library, Smokehead has also established itself as the drink of choice at big rock events including the annual Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards 2009-2011. The must attend event for rock artists and industry heavyweights, previous attendees have included iconic rock legends Slash, Brian May, Jeff Beck and Gene Simmons.
A rich, seaweedy and intensely peaty Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Smokehead is not for the faint hearted. With immense fresh and fruity flavours that burst with notes of sherry, iodine, toffee, smoke and sea salt, Smokehead hits the palate like a cannonball.
Smokehead ‘The Rock Edition’ will be available in the UK and international markets throughout 2012. Smokehead is widely available throughout the UK and worldwide, RRP £33.49. Details of some stockists can be found on the website www.smokehead.com
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Glenfiddich maker William Grant & Sons to take Tullamore Dew whiskey production back to Ireland
Drinks company William Grant & Sons is ploughing €35m (£29.35m) into a new distillery in Ireland in a move that will see production of Tullamore Dew whiskey return to its home town after 58 years.
Sales of Irish whiskey have grown to almost 700,000 cases since 2005 Photo: Alamy
By Nathalie Thomas
6:00AM BST 28 Mar 2012
The group, which is also behind brands such as Glenfiddich and Hendrick’s gin, is building a new distillery in Tullamore in central Ireland after the original site was closed in 1954.
William Grant & Sons said the facility will help meet long-term demand for Tullamore, the world’s second largest brand of Irish whiskey, which was acquired as part of a €300m deal with C&C Group in 2010.
It is hoped work on the facility, which will be spread over a 58-acre site, will commence later this year and will be completed by the end of 2014.
Stella David, chief executive of William Grant & Sons, said: “This investment by William Grant & Sons underpins our long-term commitment to Tullamore Dew, the town of Tullamore and Ireland.
“It represents an important next step in the long-term growth and development of the Tullamore Dew brand, one of Ireland’s food and drink export success stories, which is now the second largest selling Irish whiskey worldwide. We’re excited about bringing whiskey distilling back to Tullamore Dew’s roots for the first time in almost 60 years.”
Related Articles
Sales of Irish whiskey have grown to almost 700,000 cases since 2005.
News of the investment by the 125-year-old family company comes after figures on Tuesday showed sales of Scotch whisky soared to record levels last year.
The value of Scotch exports rose 23pc to £4.23bn in 2011 amid strong growth in both emerging and developed markets.
Exports to the US, the industry’s biggest market by value, surpassed £600m for the first time to hit £654.9m, according to the figures from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).
However, there are fears that moves to introduce minimum unit pricing in England and Wales and Scotlan could knock £500m off the value of Scotch exports as it will help protectionist economies defend import barriers designed to boost their own whisky industries.
The drinks industry claims minimum unit pricing is illegal under European trade laws.
A spokeswoman for the SWA, said: “While we remain optimistic about Scotch whisky exports, the introduction of minimum unit pricing would undoubtedly have an adverse effect. We have estimated it would knock £500m off exports as a result of the introduction of copycat measures.”
Drinks company William Grant & Sons is ploughing €35m (£29.35m) into a new distillery in Ireland in a move that will see production of Tullamore Dew whiskey return to its home town after 58 years.
Sales of Irish whiskey have grown to almost 700,000 cases since 2005 Photo: Alamy
By Nathalie Thomas
6:00AM BST 28 Mar 2012
The group, which is also behind brands such as Glenfiddich and Hendrick’s gin, is building a new distillery in Tullamore in central Ireland after the original site was closed in 1954.
William Grant & Sons said the facility will help meet long-term demand for Tullamore, the world’s second largest brand of Irish whiskey, which was acquired as part of a €300m deal with C&C Group in 2010.
It is hoped work on the facility, which will be spread over a 58-acre site, will commence later this year and will be completed by the end of 2014.
Stella David, chief executive of William Grant & Sons, said: “This investment by William Grant & Sons underpins our long-term commitment to Tullamore Dew, the town of Tullamore and Ireland.
“It represents an important next step in the long-term growth and development of the Tullamore Dew brand, one of Ireland’s food and drink export success stories, which is now the second largest selling Irish whiskey worldwide. We’re excited about bringing whiskey distilling back to Tullamore Dew’s roots for the first time in almost 60 years.”
Related Articles
Sales of Irish whiskey have grown to almost 700,000 cases since 2005.
News of the investment by the 125-year-old family company comes after figures on Tuesday showed sales of Scotch whisky soared to record levels last year.
The value of Scotch exports rose 23pc to £4.23bn in 2011 amid strong growth in both emerging and developed markets.
Exports to the US, the industry’s biggest market by value, surpassed £600m for the first time to hit £654.9m, according to the figures from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).
However, there are fears that moves to introduce minimum unit pricing in England and Wales and Scotlan could knock £500m off the value of Scotch exports as it will help protectionist economies defend import barriers designed to boost their own whisky industries.
The drinks industry claims minimum unit pricing is illegal under European trade laws.
A spokeswoman for the SWA, said: “While we remain optimistic about Scotch whisky exports, the introduction of minimum unit pricing would undoubtedly have an adverse effect. We have estimated it would knock £500m off exports as a result of the introduction of copycat measures.”
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Valentine’s Day-themed events in Orange County, CA
By SUMMER ROGERS FOR THE REGISTER
The Orange County Register
updated 2/8/2012 9:19:52 AM ET
Valentine's Day isn't just for couples. It's a day to celebrate love and have fun with loved ones. For ways to celebrate, here is a roundup of some fun Valentine's Day-themed events for couples, families and friends to enjoy together in the spirit of love.
For more Valentine's Day events, go to ocregister.com/events.
Valentine's Day Dinner Show with Christina Pazsitzky
Celebrate laughter and love this Valentine's Day with comedians Christina Pazsitzky and Tom Segura. Opt for general admission tickets for $25, or upgrade to the dinner package which includes; one glass of champagne (for guests 21 and over), small Caesar salad, an entree selection of prime rib, Asiago crusted chicken or honey shrimp pasta and chocolate mousse for dessert. 8 p.m. Feb. 14. Brea Improv, 120 S. Brea Blvd., Brea. $25-$50 per person (tax 5-7 p.m. Valentine's special also available Feb.10-13. Pirates Dinner Adventure, 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park. Couples Package: $65 per couple; Romance Upgrade: $89 per couple. Reservations required. 866-439-2469.
Valentine's Day at Medieval Times
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is offering a Valentine's Day Couple's Package. The package includes two admissions to dinner and tournament show, two admissions to castle dungeon museum, photo in a souvenir frame, a valentine scroll to remember the occasion, split of champagne with two logoed souvenir glasses, feather long-stem sweetheart rose and two cheering flags. Buy tickets in advanced online to guarantee the Couple's Package. 6 p.m. Feb. 14; Valentine's special available Feb. 10-15. Medieval Times Dinner 8 p.m. Feb. 10 Non-members: $15. 312-488-9883.
Valentine's Day Sunset Whale Watching Cruise
Enjoy the sea at sunset for a unique and romantic way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Sail aboard the Dana Pride at sunset and search for whales, dolphins and other marine life. Chocolates and Valentine's Day treats are included, as well as a complimentary glass of champagne for guests 21 and over. 4-6 p.m. Feb. 14. Dana Wharf Sportfishing Non-members: $50 Reservations required. 657-278-3407.
John Heffron Valentine's Day (Special Event)
Laugh with someone special and Valentine's Day with John Heffron. Two packages available; general admission and dinner. General admission includes a glass of champagne and a rose for the ladies. Dinner includes: admission, a dinner salad, your choices of entree, dessert, a glass of champagne and a rose for the ladies. 8 p.m. Feb. 14. Irvine Improv, 71 Fortune Dr., Irvine. Admission: $35 per person; dinner package: $70 per person. (949) 854-5455.
3rd Annual Valentine's Event
Dress to impress in your favorite red apparel and give your love to children in need. The evening will begin with a wine tasting and serving of hors d'oeuvres. There will be a silent auction, wine tasting and free massages. All of the proceeds will benefit the children supported by Corazon de Vida Foundation, Steps of Hope Outreach and Foster Care Auxiliary of Orange County. 6-10:30 p.m. Feb. 10. Equinox Sports Club, 1980 Main St., Irvine. $30-$35. 949-476-1144, Ext. 7.
Valentine's Card Decorating
Kids can make Valentine's Day cards for friends and/or family. No registration required. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Feb. 8. Stanton Library, 7850 Katella Ave., Stanton. Free. (714) 898-3302.
By SUMMER ROGERS FOR THE REGISTER
The Orange County Register
updated 2/8/2012 9:19:52 AM ET
Valentine's Day isn't just for couples. It's a day to celebrate love and have fun with loved ones. For ways to celebrate, here is a roundup of some fun Valentine's Day-themed events for couples, families and friends to enjoy together in the spirit of love.
For more Valentine's Day events, go to ocregister.com/events.
Valentine's Day Dinner Show with Christina Pazsitzky
Celebrate laughter and love this Valentine's Day with comedians Christina Pazsitzky and Tom Segura. Opt for general admission tickets for $25, or upgrade to the dinner package which includes; one glass of champagne (for guests 21 and over), small Caesar salad, an entree selection of prime rib, Asiago crusted chicken or honey shrimp pasta and chocolate mousse for dessert. 8 p.m. Feb. 14. Brea Improv, 120 S. Brea Blvd., Brea. $25-$50 per person (tax 5-7 p.m. Valentine's special also available Feb.10-13. Pirates Dinner Adventure, 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park. Couples Package: $65 per couple; Romance Upgrade: $89 per couple. Reservations required. 866-439-2469.
Valentine's Day at Medieval Times
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is offering a Valentine's Day Couple's Package. The package includes two admissions to dinner and tournament show, two admissions to castle dungeon museum, photo in a souvenir frame, a valentine scroll to remember the occasion, split of champagne with two logoed souvenir glasses, feather long-stem sweetheart rose and two cheering flags. Buy tickets in advanced online to guarantee the Couple's Package. 6 p.m. Feb. 14; Valentine's special available Feb. 10-15. Medieval Times Dinner 8 p.m. Feb. 10 Non-members: $15. 312-488-9883.
Valentine's Day Sunset Whale Watching Cruise
Enjoy the sea at sunset for a unique and romantic way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Sail aboard the Dana Pride at sunset and search for whales, dolphins and other marine life. Chocolates and Valentine's Day treats are included, as well as a complimentary glass of champagne for guests 21 and over. 4-6 p.m. Feb. 14. Dana Wharf Sportfishing Non-members: $50 Reservations required. 657-278-3407.
John Heffron Valentine's Day (Special Event)
Laugh with someone special and Valentine's Day with John Heffron. Two packages available; general admission and dinner. General admission includes a glass of champagne and a rose for the ladies. Dinner includes: admission, a dinner salad, your choices of entree, dessert, a glass of champagne and a rose for the ladies. 8 p.m. Feb. 14. Irvine Improv, 71 Fortune Dr., Irvine. Admission: $35 per person; dinner package: $70 per person. (949) 854-5455.
3rd Annual Valentine's Event
Dress to impress in your favorite red apparel and give your love to children in need. The evening will begin with a wine tasting and serving of hors d'oeuvres. There will be a silent auction, wine tasting and free massages. All of the proceeds will benefit the children supported by Corazon de Vida Foundation, Steps of Hope Outreach and Foster Care Auxiliary of Orange County. 6-10:30 p.m. Feb. 10. Equinox Sports Club, 1980 Main St., Irvine. $30-$35. 949-476-1144, Ext. 7.
Valentine's Card Decorating
Kids can make Valentine's Day cards for friends and/or family. No registration required. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Feb. 8. Stanton Library, 7850 Katella Ave., Stanton. Free. (714) 898-3302.
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Contact: Clinton Foundation Press Office, 212.348.0360
press@clintonfoundation.org
MEDIA ADVISORY: President Clinton to attend CGSGI Graduation Ceremony
New York, NY—On Tuesday, February 14, President Clinton will travel to Bogota, Colombia.
In the afternoon, President Clinton and Frank Giustra will attend and deliver remarks at a commencement ceremony for members of two Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative (CGSGI) job training programs. Father Camilo Bernal, Director General of SENA, and Mrs. Azucena de Benedetti, general manager for Gente Estratégica, will also attend. The ceremony will be open press.
919 of today’s graduates participated in the “Manos que Construyen” (Hands that Build) program. In July 2011, CGSGI, SENA, and CAMACOL launched the first on-site skill training and certification program for construction workers in Colombia in Ciudad Verde, a low-income housing development project. (http://www.clintonfoundation.org/news/news-media/press-release-clinton-giustra-sustainable-growth-initiative-announces-training-and-certification-program-for-5-000-construction-workers-in-colombia). The project offers 5,000 construction workers access to free construction skills training courses and certifications in scaffolding, masonry, and blueprint reading, among others. To date, the Project has trained 1,678 workers and has certified another 2,339.
The second group of graduates includes 61 young people (ages 17-29) who studied merchandising, customer service, and marketing. They participated in the “For a Possible Future” retail job training project, a partnership between the Clinton Foundation, Shakira’s Pies Descalzos Foundation and Gente Estrategica. Each graduate will be placed in retail jobs; 43 have already been placed in sustainable jobs at companies like Carrefour, Atacado, and Almacenes Exito. Their education was enabled by President Clinton and Frank Giustra, who allowed each to enroll without the $750 tuition fee. Today’s graduation brings the total number of graduates of this program to 261.
About the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative
Established in June 2007 by President Bill Clinton and philanthropist Frank Giustra, the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative (CGSGI) is an innovative partnership among the William J. Clinton Foundation, the private sector, governments, local communities, and other NGOs that seeks to narrow the wealth gap in the developing world by empowering the poor through effective, results-oriented economic and social development projects. CGSGI focuses on alleviating poverty through market-driven development that creates jobs and increases incomes, and by strengthening factors that enable economic growth such as health and education. CGSGI creates value by forging cross-sectoral partnerships, designing innovative programs and bringing them to scale, aligning stakeholders, and mainstreaming best practices. The Initiative is committed to assuring transparent and efficient use of resources, and integrating rigorous monitoring and evaluation into its projects.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
4:15 PM EST
President Clinton Attends CGSGI Graduation Ceremony
Skandia Auditorium
Bogota
OPEN PRESS
Contact: Clinton Foundation Press Office, 212.348.0360
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MEDIA ADVISORY: President Clinton to attend CGSGI Graduation Ceremony
New York, NY—On Tuesday, February 14, President Clinton will travel to Bogota, Colombia.
In the afternoon, President Clinton and Frank Giustra will attend and deliver remarks at a commencement ceremony for members of two Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative (CGSGI) job training programs. Father Camilo Bernal, Director General of SENA, and Mrs. Azucena de Benedetti, general manager for Gente Estratégica, will also attend. The ceremony will be open press.
919 of today’s graduates participated in the “Manos que Construyen” (Hands that Build) program. In July 2011, CGSGI, SENA, and CAMACOL launched the first on-site skill training and certification program for construction workers in Colombia in Ciudad Verde, a low-income housing development project. (http://www.clintonfoundation.org/news/news-media/press-release-clinton-giustra-sustainable-growth-initiative-announces-training-and-certification-program-for-5-000-construction-workers-in-colombia). The project offers 5,000 construction workers access to free construction skills training courses and certifications in scaffolding, masonry, and blueprint reading, among others. To date, the Project has trained 1,678 workers and has certified another 2,339.
The second group of graduates includes 61 young people (ages 17-29) who studied merchandising, customer service, and marketing. They participated in the “For a Possible Future” retail job training project, a partnership between the Clinton Foundation, Shakira’s Pies Descalzos Foundation and Gente Estrategica. Each graduate will be placed in retail jobs; 43 have already been placed in sustainable jobs at companies like Carrefour, Atacado, and Almacenes Exito. Their education was enabled by President Clinton and Frank Giustra, who allowed each to enroll without the $750 tuition fee. Today’s graduation brings the total number of graduates of this program to 261.
About the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative
Established in June 2007 by President Bill Clinton and philanthropist Frank Giustra, the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative (CGSGI) is an innovative partnership among the William J. Clinton Foundation, the private sector, governments, local communities, and other NGOs that seeks to narrow the wealth gap in the developing world by empowering the poor through effective, results-oriented economic and social development projects. CGSGI focuses on alleviating poverty through market-driven development that creates jobs and increases incomes, and by strengthening factors that enable economic growth such as health and education. CGSGI creates value by forging cross-sectoral partnerships, designing innovative programs and bringing them to scale, aligning stakeholders, and mainstreaming best practices. The Initiative is committed to assuring transparent and efficient use of resources, and integrating rigorous monitoring and evaluation into its projects.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
4:15 PM EST
President Clinton Attends CGSGI Graduation Ceremony
Skandia Auditorium
Bogota
OPEN PRESS
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Champagne News
Frank Pascal's wines are now available in the United States. The Dressner team (now distributed in NY by David Bowler) is importing the entire lineup, and let me tell you - this is exciting news.
Isabelle and Franck Pascal, and their name tags.
Vineyard work is thoughtful and very conscientious, and fully converted to biodynamic farming since 2002. The estate is located in the village of Baslieux-sur-Châtillon, in the part of the Marne Valley where Meunier does very well in the heavy clay soils. I cannot say that I have sufficient experience drinking these wines in order to give you a detailed summary, but I can tell you that they are clean and pure and extremely well made wines, wines that showcase the potential of Meunier when it is done right - dark fruit, expansive and broad, earthy. And in Pascal's hands these wines achieve a freshness and ripeness that allows the dosage to be quite low, and the wines still feel perfectly balanced.
The "entry level" wine is called Sagessse Brut Nature. It is almost a Blanc de Noirs - 57% Meunier, 38% Pinot, and 5% Chardonnay. The current release is based on the lovely 2006 vintage, and it feels substantial and ripe, and entirely under control, very fresh. At about $60 it is a bit more expensive than some entry level wines, but it is a very high quality wine that will delight the red grape Champagne lovers out there.
Cuvée Tolérance Brut Rosé is a truly lovely rosé of Champagne, the first Pascal wine that I tried. This wine is Sagesse but with the addition of Pascal's red still wine. It is absolutely delicious, and it doesn't smell or taste anything like Sagesse - as Franck Pascal said, " The addition of still red wine really changes the character of Sagesse." At about $65, this is a very good value in rosé. There are a few vintage wines and I cannot talk intelligently about them because I've had them only at tastings. My favorite so far is the exquisite 2004 Quinte Essence Brut, made of 60% Pinot, 25% Meunier, and 15% Chardonnay from vineyards in Belval-sous-Châtillon (if I understood correctly). All of the wines were very good, but this one stood out to me because of its precision and harmony, the elegance amidst the intensity of its flavors. At about $85 we're into vintage Champagne expensive territory, but here you're definitely getting your money's worth, in my opinion.
And I must mention the fact that team Dressner has wisely decided to bring in the still red wine, the Franck Pascal Coteaux Champenois Confiance. There won't be much of it and it will cost something like $70 a bottle. But Coteaux Champenois can be as beautifully perfumed, elegant, and hauntingly delicious as a lot of expensive Burgundy wine. If you think of this as a 1er Cru from a great producer, then $70 is not very expensive at all. There hasn't been a lot of Coteaux Champenois on the market and I'm very happy that there will now be this one. I've only tasted it, but I liked it very much. This release is mostly from the fantastic 2008 vintage, the balance is 2007. There is such brightness and energy, highly perfumed black currant and blackberry fruit, the texture is rich with the pulp of tiny berries, and the pungent mineral finish really lingers.
Other Champagne news:
--The Dressner team is now bringing in the interesting and delicious Champagnes of Francis Boulard. I think these are great wines and hopefully they will be easier to find on retail shelves now. They are very reasonably priced too.
--I hear that Marie-Noëlle Ledru's fantastic Coteaux Champenois will soon be available in New York. Charlie Woods who created Bonhomie Wine Selections tells me that he is bringing in 3 cases of the 2004 vintage sometime this year.
That's right...3 cases. 36 bottles of this wine will be available in New York. He says that the restaurant Corton has dibs on an entire case, but that the remaining 24 bottles will be allocated as widely as possible. My friends, this is a wine that you must find and purchase if you are even a little bit interested in Pinot Noir or Coteaux Champenois. Ask your favorite shop to buy the wine, and I hope you can get a bottle. I think I have dibs on one, and if I don't, I sincerely advise Charlie, his family, friends, and acquaintances to watch their step around me.
--I hear that Gatinois' Coteaux Champenois is now going to be available through Polaner. I've never tasted it and I don't know the price, but this producer has some of the most prime plots in Grand Cru Aÿ, and their Champagnes are so good, why shouldn't the still wine be great? Again, it's cool that we consumers will have the opportunity to try more still red wine from Champagne, a style of wine that I honestly think will interest many a Burgundy lover.
Frank Pascal's wines are now available in the United States. The Dressner team (now distributed in NY by David Bowler) is importing the entire lineup, and let me tell you - this is exciting news.
Isabelle and Franck Pascal, and their name tags.
Vineyard work is thoughtful and very conscientious, and fully converted to biodynamic farming since 2002. The estate is located in the village of Baslieux-sur-Châtillon, in the part of the Marne Valley where Meunier does very well in the heavy clay soils. I cannot say that I have sufficient experience drinking these wines in order to give you a detailed summary, but I can tell you that they are clean and pure and extremely well made wines, wines that showcase the potential of Meunier when it is done right - dark fruit, expansive and broad, earthy. And in Pascal's hands these wines achieve a freshness and ripeness that allows the dosage to be quite low, and the wines still feel perfectly balanced.
The "entry level" wine is called Sagessse Brut Nature. It is almost a Blanc de Noirs - 57% Meunier, 38% Pinot, and 5% Chardonnay. The current release is based on the lovely 2006 vintage, and it feels substantial and ripe, and entirely under control, very fresh. At about $60 it is a bit more expensive than some entry level wines, but it is a very high quality wine that will delight the red grape Champagne lovers out there.
Cuvée Tolérance Brut Rosé is a truly lovely rosé of Champagne, the first Pascal wine that I tried. This wine is Sagesse but with the addition of Pascal's red still wine. It is absolutely delicious, and it doesn't smell or taste anything like Sagesse - as Franck Pascal said, " The addition of still red wine really changes the character of Sagesse." At about $65, this is a very good value in rosé. There are a few vintage wines and I cannot talk intelligently about them because I've had them only at tastings. My favorite so far is the exquisite 2004 Quinte Essence Brut, made of 60% Pinot, 25% Meunier, and 15% Chardonnay from vineyards in Belval-sous-Châtillon (if I understood correctly). All of the wines were very good, but this one stood out to me because of its precision and harmony, the elegance amidst the intensity of its flavors. At about $85 we're into vintage Champagne expensive territory, but here you're definitely getting your money's worth, in my opinion.
And I must mention the fact that team Dressner has wisely decided to bring in the still red wine, the Franck Pascal Coteaux Champenois Confiance. There won't be much of it and it will cost something like $70 a bottle. But Coteaux Champenois can be as beautifully perfumed, elegant, and hauntingly delicious as a lot of expensive Burgundy wine. If you think of this as a 1er Cru from a great producer, then $70 is not very expensive at all. There hasn't been a lot of Coteaux Champenois on the market and I'm very happy that there will now be this one. I've only tasted it, but I liked it very much. This release is mostly from the fantastic 2008 vintage, the balance is 2007. There is such brightness and energy, highly perfumed black currant and blackberry fruit, the texture is rich with the pulp of tiny berries, and the pungent mineral finish really lingers.
Other Champagne news:
--The Dressner team is now bringing in the interesting and delicious Champagnes of Francis Boulard. I think these are great wines and hopefully they will be easier to find on retail shelves now. They are very reasonably priced too.
--I hear that Marie-Noëlle Ledru's fantastic Coteaux Champenois will soon be available in New York. Charlie Woods who created Bonhomie Wine Selections tells me that he is bringing in 3 cases of the 2004 vintage sometime this year.
That's right...3 cases. 36 bottles of this wine will be available in New York. He says that the restaurant Corton has dibs on an entire case, but that the remaining 24 bottles will be allocated as widely as possible. My friends, this is a wine that you must find and purchase if you are even a little bit interested in Pinot Noir or Coteaux Champenois. Ask your favorite shop to buy the wine, and I hope you can get a bottle. I think I have dibs on one, and if I don't, I sincerely advise Charlie, his family, friends, and acquaintances to watch their step around me.
--I hear that Gatinois' Coteaux Champenois is now going to be available through Polaner. I've never tasted it and I don't know the price, but this producer has some of the most prime plots in Grand Cru Aÿ, and their Champagnes are so good, why shouldn't the still wine be great? Again, it's cool that we consumers will have the opportunity to try more still red wine from Champagne, a style of wine that I honestly think will interest many a Burgundy lover.
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