GLENDALE, Ariz. – Historic Downtown Glendale’s shops and restaurants will celebrate Small Business Saturday on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020 starting at 10 a.m. Founded by American Express, Small Business Saturday is traditionally held the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Now in its 10^th year, Small Business Saturday continues to be an annual holiday shopping tradition — just one part of the shop small movement to support small businesses every day and everywhere. 

“Every time you purchase a gift from an artisan in a local gallery and find that perfect handcrafted necklace in your favorite local boutique, you help to promote a vibrant community,” said Lorraine Zomok, president of the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association and owner of Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures. For every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S., approximately 67 cents stay in the local community. When you Shop Small on Small Business Saturday, and all year long, you can help create a big impact.

Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to shop for unique holiday gifts, enjoy a leisurely lunch with family and friends, all while supporting locally owned businesses. Visitors to Downtown Glendale’s Small Business Saturday are encouraged to stay into the evening to enjoy the Glendale Glitters holiday light display. Now in its 28^th year, the 1.7 million Glendale Glitters holiday lights illuminate the walkable historic area.

Historic Downtown Glendale is made up of two distinct historic districts; Catlin Court featuring mature shade trees and welcoming front porches lined with picket fences. The Old Towne District is home to one-of-a-kind shops and a growing Restaurant Row all nestled along red brick sidewalks. The two districts span 12 blocks filled with locally owned small businesses ready for you to experience.

Start your Small Business Saturday journey at the Arizona Information Center located at Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures (5836 W. Palmaire Ave.) Knowledgeable Downtown Docents will welcome visitors and provide walking maps and downtown shopping and dining information. The first 50 visitors will receive a free Small Business Saturday tote bag.

For more information, check out www.VisitDowntownGlendale.com or follow at www.Facebook.com/HistoricGlendale.

Small Business Saturday is presented by American Express and the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association, Neighborhood Champion for the event. The Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association is a merchant driven organization which stimulates, enhances, and sustains the economic vitality and customer experience of the Historic Downtown Glendale Shopping and Dining District.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Old Towne and Catlin Court Retail Districts will be all ready to kick off the holiday shopping and dining season at the Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020 beginning at 10 a.m. You will enjoy a day full of unique experiences. New this year, many of the shops and restaurants will have extended hours into the early evening hours to celebrate the 24^th annual event.

Begin checking off your holiday shopping list with unique, artisanal, and handcrafted gift items featured at the locally owned boutiques. You can also enjoy delicious treats at the wide variety of eateries and special gift-wrapping stations for you to be holiday ready. In addition, you will not want to miss the dazzling holiday shop window displays throughout the area.

Returning this year, follow the ‘Tree Trail’ featuring festive, uniquely themed trees in front of many of the shops and eateries. Additional activities include make and take crafts, and ornament-making for the Patriotic Community Tree. The Patriotic Community Tree is located at the corner of 58^th Drive and Palmaire for all to enjoy. Each year, this special tree features handcrafted ornaments made by local residents to honor our military.

New this year, you will find very merry decorated packages adorning the front porches and sidewalks of the shops, providing the perfect selfie spots for your holiday photos. In addition, a new Downtown Walking Map will debut at the Holiday Open House. The map will feature an extensive listing of the downtown businesses in an easy-to-read and follow format. The map will be available at the Arizona Information Center.

The charity partner for this year’s Holiday Open House is the Blue Star Moms of the Southwest Valley. We are collecting supplies to fill holiday care packages which the Blue Star Moms will send to deployed military around the world. To see a list of needed supplies, go to www.VisitDowntownGlendale.com.

Historic Downtown Glendale is made up of two distinct historic districts; Catlin Court featuring mature shade trees and welcoming front porches lined with picket fences. The Old Towne District is home to one-of-a-kind shops and a growing Restaurant Row all nestled along red brick sidewalks. The two districts span 12 blocks filled with locally owned small businesses ready for you to experience.

Start your Holiday Open House adventure at the Arizona Information Center located at Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures (5836 W. Palmaire Ave.) to pick up the activity list and the new walking map. For more information, check out www.VisitDowntownGlendale.com or follow at www.Facebook.com/HistoricGlendale.

The Holiday Open House is presented by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association, a merchant driven organization which stimulates, enhances, and sustains the economic vitality and customer experience of the Historic Downtown Glendale Shopping and Dining District.

Public health safety net offering walk-in testing, PrEP consultations Oct. 25 – 30

PHOENIX (October 22, 2020) – Advancements in medications to treat and prevent the transmission of HIV have come a long way since the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980’s and 90’s. But with more than 11,000 Maricopa County residents living with HIV today, awareness of HIV, and more importantly the medications available to stop transmission continue to be a focus of Valleywise Health. In recognition of National Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness Week (Oct. 25 – 30), Valleywise Community Health Center – McDowell is offering walk-in HIV testing and PrEP prescription consultation all week from 8 am to 5 pm, no appointment necessary.  

PrEP is a once a day pill that prevents HIV transmission. It boasts a greater than 99% rate of effectiveness if taken regularly and studies have shown PrEP is safe and has a low rate of minor side effects. PrEP is for individuals who are HIV negative, so the first step is to get an HIV test. There is a medication option available for anyone regardless of sex or sexual orientation.

Dr. Ann Khalsa, the medical director at Valleywise Community Health Center – McDowell, is a passionate proponent of HIV prevention and PrEP. She notes that “HIV infection is preventable. But we are still nowhere near providing PrEP to the estimated 25,000 Arizonans who could benefit from HIV prevention. PrEP is so effective that it is a top-level recommendation from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force and is a key component, along with testing and treatment, of the U.S. national goal to prevent new cases of HIV and end this decades long epidemic.”

PrEP does not protect users from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like syphilis or chlamydia. Using PrEP and condoms together provides protection from HIV and most STIs.

In 2011, Valleywise Health Medical Center became the first hospital in Arizona to provide routine HIV screening in its emergency department and is now expanding testing throughout their entire network of emergency departments and 12 community health centers across the Valley. By the end of the year, voluntary HIV screening will be a routine part of medical care for its patients and all Valleywise Health sites will be able to provide PrEP and Rapid HIV treatment to all newly tested persons. PrEP prescriptions are now covered under the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and Valleywise Health can also assist patients in obtaining coverage for HIV testing and PrEP therapy.

Valleywise Community Health Center – McDowell is the largest provider of primary HIV care and treatment in Arizona, serving more than 4,000 patients living with HIV. The center treats and educates a high volume of LGBTQ patients, both HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals, including provision of gender-affirming hormonal therapy. For this work at McDowell and system-wide, Valleywise Health was recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader in 2020.

To learn more about Valleywise Community Health Center – McDowell and the HIV services provided, please visit www.valleywisehealth.org/locations.

About Valleywise Health

Located in Phoenix, Arizona and named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the nation by IBM Watson Health in 2020, Valleywise Health (formerly Maricopa Integrated Health System) has a proud tradition of being the community safety net health care system with a mission and commitment to serving the underserved. Valleywise Health consists of Valleywise Health Medical Center, Arizona’s only public teaching hospital, the only trauma center in Maricopa County verified by the American College of Surgeons to treat adults and children. and Arizona’s only nationally verified Burn Center serving the entire Southwestern United States. Other services include the McDowell Healthcare Center, the largest provider of HIV primary care in Arizona, the Refugee Women’s Health Clinic, three behavioral health centers, and 11 neighborhood health centers. To learn more, please visit www.ValleywiseHealth.org

Festival now moved to April 10-11, 2021 at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix;

Parade moves to Sunday, April 11, 2021

PHOENIX — Phoenix Pride has announced newly rescheduled dates for the 40th Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade, with the Festival now set to run Saturday and Sunday, April 10-11, 2021, with the Parade moving to Sunday, April 11, 2021.

The Festival will remain at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix, and Festival hours will be unchanged, at noon-9 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The Parade will begin on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at Third St. and Thomas Rd., running northbound up Third St. to Indian School Rd.

The presenting sponsor for the 40th Phoenix Pride Festival is Bud Light Seltzer, with Bank of America presenting the 40th Phoenix Pride Parade.

            In addition to the new dates, Pride has confirmed that the headlining performers previously announced for the Circle K Festival Main Stage and the Latin Stage Presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Club Papí will remain unchanged, and all have reconfirmed for the new dates.

            “Phoenix Pride is looking forward to bringing our community back together when we return to our usual spring schedule in 2021,” Phoenix Pride Executive Director Mike Fornelli said. “We continue to use our additional time to plus the plans for our 40th Festival, and we are equally excited about celebrating the milestone of our 40th Parade, which directly celebrates the earliest marches in which Phoenix Pride has its roots.”

            “We know that this continues to be a challenging time for our community and our allies, and we will continue to explore the best available avenues, virtually and otherwise, to stay connected and engaged as we look forward to gathering together in April,” President of the Phoenix Pride Board of Directors Mark Leeper added. “Our staff and board continue to work for our community on a daily basis, and we will continue to be both a voice and a touchpoint for our community, without exception.”

            Existing Festival ticket holders will be receiving an email message this week from Phoenix Pride’s ticketing partner, See Tickets, to the email address associated with their order, explaining the policies and procedures regarding ticket conversions for the new dates.

Tickets for the new Festival dates are ON SALE NOW at PhoenixPride.org.

Additional detailed information regarding the 40th Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade is available online at http://www.phoenixpride.org.

PHOENIX (September 1, 2020) – Valleywise Health today announced that the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) has designated the health care system with their “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader” for the second year in a row. Valleywise Health is the first hospital in Arizona to achieve the designation, awarded in the 12th edition of HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).

Every year, HRC recognizes the health care facilities that participate in the HEI for their dedication and commitment to LGBTQ inclusion. A record 765 health care facilities actively participated in the HEI 2020 survey. Of those included in the HEI, 495 earned an “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader” designation.

“This designation goes to support our on-going mission to provide exceptional care to all who come through our doors, regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic standing and in this case, sexual orientation,” says Steve Purves, President and CEO of Valleywise Health. “We have built a strong relationship with our LGBTQ community and to be considered a leader in advancing care equality to our LGBTQ community is truly a source of pride.”

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community. Valleywise Health joins HRC in striving to ensure the healthcare and emotional needs of this community is met with empathy and understanding.

“From the previously unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the horrific incidents of racial violence targeting the Black community, the events of the past year have brought about so much pain and uncertainty. Yet, even during this moment of profound unrest, we are seeing more of our humanity and resilience come to life. For me, nowhere is that more true than through the tireless dedication of our health care providers and the intrepid support and administrative staff members by their sides that show up every day to ensure this life-saving work continues,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “The health care facilities participating in the HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) are not only on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are also making it clear from their participation in the HEI that they stand on the side of fairness and are committed to providing inclusive care to their LGBTQ patients. In addition, many have made strong statements on racial justice and equity and are engaging in efforts to address racial inequities in their institutions and their communities. We commend all of the HEI participants for their commitment to providing inclusive care for all.”

One of the primary drivers of receiving the recognition is the health systems work at their Valleywise Community Health Center – McDowell, a specialty clinic providing primary care services for HIV positive patients, HIV prevention through PrEP and transgender hormonal therapy. The health center sees about 4,000 patients per year, with roughly 65% self-identifying as LGBTQ and provides care to all who need it thanks to its partnership with the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.

For more information on Valleywise Health, please visit www.valleywisehealth.org.

About Valleywise Health

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Valleywise Health (formerly Maricopa Integrated Health System) has a proud tradition of being both the community safety net health care system, with a mission and commitment to serving the underserved and Arizona’s only public teaching hospital. Valleywise Health  consists of Valleywise Health Medical Center, Maryvale hospital, the only Level I Trauma Center in Maricopa County verified by the American College of Surgeons to care for both adults and children, Arizona’s only nationally verified Burn Center serving the entire Southwestern United States, the McDowell Healthcare Center, the largest provider of HIV primary care in Arizona, the Refugee Women’s Health Clinic, the Arizona Children’s Center, three behavioral health centers, and 11 neighborhood health centers. To learn more, please visit www.ValleywiseHealth.org

About The Human Rights Campaign Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the education arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

Artsploitation Films and Kino Lorber Release

Benjamin

A Romantic Comedy of a Different Kind by Simon Amstell

Now on DVD and Digital Platforms including Kino Now

Please contact Matt Barry at mbarry@kinolorber.com

to request an online screener for review.

“Simon Amstell’s funny, charming and overpoweringly personal comedy is a nervous romance, in which both parties get to be Annie Hall … a miraculously heartfelt love story, sweet and poignant in all its awkwardness.” – The Guardian

“A laugh-out-loud love story with bite. Sparkles with wit, warmth and weirdness” – Total Film

“A tender, funny and, at times, painful film” – The Daily Mail

“Witty, effervescent and unexpectedly soulful” – The Times (London)

“Funny, bittersweet and affecting” – Empire

New York, NY — August 25, 2020 — Artsploitation Films and Kino Lorber are proud to announce that Benjamin, a quirky, anxiety-fueled gay rom-com directed by Simon (“Nevermind the Buzzcocks”) Amstell and starring Colin Morgan (Merlin, The Happy Prince), is now available on DVD and digital platforms including Kino Now.

Benjamin was an Official Selection of the BFI London Film Festival, and won the Audience Award and was nominated for the Grand Jury Award for Best Film at the Milan International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

Synopsis:

Simon Amstell’s offbeat gay romantic comedy centers around Benjamin (Colin Morgan), a nervous, neurotic filmmaker juggling the anxieties of finalizing his upcoming film with the fear and awkwardness of a burgeoning romance. Will Benjamin’s insecurities get in the way of success and happiness? Will his film be a critics-savaging disaster and he, a one-hit wonder? Amstell peppers this entertaining tale with scene-stealing cast of supporting characters including Joel Fry (Game of Thrones), Jessica Raine, Jack Rowan and Anna Chancellor.

Please contact Matt Barry at mbarry@kinolorber.com to request an online screener for review.

Title: Benjamin; Director: Simon Amstell; Country: UK; Year: 2019; Running Time: 85 minutes; Language: English; Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1; Sound: Dolby 5.1

DVD SRP: 19.95

DVD Item #: ART71

DVD UPC: 851597006803

Contact Information:

Matt Barry

mbarry@kinolorber.com

Kino Lorber

333 West 39 St., Suite 503

New York, NY 10018

Phone: 212-629-6880

www.kinolorber.com



ABOUT ARTSPLOITATION FILMS

Not limited to being just a genre label, Artsploitation Films presents intriguing, unsettling, unpredictable and provocative films to an audience long numbed by filmic predictability.

ABOUT KINO LORBER:

With a library of over 2,800 titles, Kino Lorber Inc. has been a leader in independent art house distribution for 35 years, releasing 30 films per year theatrically under its Kino Lorber, Kino Repertory and Alive Mind Cinema banners, garnering seven Academy Award® nominations in nine years, including documentary nominees Fire at Sea (2017) and Of Fathers & Sons (2019). In addition, the company brings over 350 titles yearly to the home entertainment and educational markets through physical and digital media releases. With an expanding family of distributed labels, Kino Lorber handles releases in ancillary media for Zeitgeist Films, Carlotta USA, Adopt Films, Greenwich Entertainment, Raro Video, and others, placing physical titles through all wholesale, retail, and direct to consumer channels, as well as direct digital distribution through over 40 OTT services including all major TVOD and SVOD platforms. In 2019, the company launched its new art house digital channel KinoNow.com which features over 1000 titles from the acclaimed Kino Lorber library.