the eight African RECs launched a common digital platform for information sharing The website was unveiled on the sidelines of the African Union (AU) and REC mid-year coordination meeting in Accra It was among outstanding initiatives mooted since the creation of the Inter-regional Coordination Centre five years ago The platform aims to strengthen solidarity and cooperation among RECs in trade It fulfils the vision of the Organisation of African Unity of the African economic community enshrined in the 1991 Abuja Treaty its purpose alongside the Inter-regional Knowledge Exchange Platform (I-RECKE) and AU-REC mid-year meetings should be assessed There is potential comparative advantage and value add as I-RECKE is an AU-REC/regional mechanism (RM) coordination vehicle and the newcomer could address cross-regional conflict spillovers and mitigate REC competition as crises first responders raising concerns about its functions and connection to AU platforms While the new website could boost interactions and allow regional bodies to better address challenges through peer experience sharing which the AU’s platforms seek to prevent while REC-REC cooperation is needed to achieve the African economic community this should not exclude the AU given its continental integration mandate per the Abuja Treaty the value add of the REC-REC platform must be compared to that of existing mechanisms The platform aims to boost REC solidarity and cooperation in trade The AU has aimed to facilitate collaboration with RECs/RMs primarily through the mid-year meetings and The first mid-year gathering was on 8 July 2019 The objectives are to reinforce efforts to achieve continental integration peace and security through enhanced AU-REC/RM cooperation and to strengthen inter-REC/RM collaboration The focus on continental integration aligns with Abuja Treaty Article 4 requiring coordinated action between the AU and RECs peace and security issues are discussed during mid-year meetings ensuring ample room for engagement and experience sharing its main objective is knowledge exchange to foster coherence in the response to peace and security challenges the parties have placed good governance ― which extends beyond peace and security ― at the heart of their endeavour I-RECKE’s July 2024 theme ‘Joint resource mobilisation for continental governance peace and security’ illustrated this I-RECKE could enhance exchange and collaboration between the AU and RECs/RMs and among economic communities The new platform mirrors the objectives of I-RECKE The July 2024 mid-year meeting reiterated the four pillars of the Inter-regional Coordination Centre addressing coordination difficulties and enhancing inter-REC capability to implement Agenda 2063 The digital platform’s sole difference is the exclusive participation of RECs The value add of the new platform must be compared with that of established mechanisms A coordination platform could advance integration should RECs use it exclusively to prepare for participation in continental meetings and to build common positions Anything more would run counter to Abuja Treaty objectives which calls for perennial and collaborative ‘promotion of cooperation in all fields of human endeavour’ jointly by continental and regional bodies could perpetuate silos when recent AU-REC efforts have sought to eliminate them complementarity and labour division challenges given that the centre will allow RECs/RMs to decide on crucial issues without AU input AU policymakers consulted added weight to the concept of a consultation REC representatives have lamented AU policymakers’ reluctance to thoroughly examine their concerns and challenges They argue that continental meetings are short and periodic while the centre offers more flexibility and consistency RECs must seize existing I-RECKE and mid-year meeting opportunities as REC-REC meetings take place on the mid-year session sidelines and follow a similar format this weakens the flexibility and frequency argument against continental platforms both AU and REC policymakers should concentrate on improving existing mechanisms covering challenges the newest offering seeks to address If mid-year meetings and I-RECKE foster coordination and collaboration between the AU and RECs and among RECs/RMs RECs must improve established platforms by seizing opportunities presented by I-RECKE and mid-year meetings duration or policy uptake of these bodies’ decisions could be discussed formally or informally RECs should commit to effective implementation of the revised 2021 protocol on AU-REC cooperation which undertakes to reduce gaps and bolster collaboration Consultations with the AU should precede continental meetings and RECs should promote existing structures further rather than adding to their numbers which will drain resources and perpetuate coordination stumbling blocks 2018: Played in 15 games as a sophomore and started 13 contests … part of a defensive unit that yielded a 0.86 goals-against average and nine shutouts … also tallied four points on two goals for the season … his first-career goal was the lone tally in a 1-0 win over Randolph (10/13) … added a goal in a 3-0 win over Bridgewater (11/4) in the ODAC Championship game 2017: Saw action in 17 games with 10 starts during his rookie campaign … helped the Generals’ defense claim a 0.93 goals-against average and post nine shutouts … also helped W&L allow just 21 goals High School: Earned four letters in soccer and three in wrestling while attending Boyertown Area High School … helped lead team to two conference championships … was named the Tri-County Player of the Year … also earned first team all-conference and all-region honors … also a member of the National Honor Society Personal: Volunteered with the Pottstown Rumble and the JK 5K Fun Run over the summer … member of the Generals Leadership Academy .. played soccer at Millersville University … economics major There are no statistics available for this player Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here Heads of State and Government of the African Union here present; Heads of Delegations and Chief Executives of RECs & RMs On behalf of the 8 Regional Economic Communities and the 2 Regional Mechanisms l am highly honored to present the highlights of the outcomes of the Second Policy Session of the African Union Inter-Regional Knowledge Exchange on Early Waring and Conflict Prevention (i-RECKE) It is recalled that i-RECKE was launched during the 4th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Lusaka in July 2022 was equally endorsed by the 36th AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government and now serves actively as a statutory community of regional and continental practitioners It’s overriding goal is to promote experience sharing and lessons learning among the Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) and the AU It focuses on the best practices and opportunities to demonstrate that early warning and early action will prevent conflicts I am pleased to inform Your Excellencies that this regional platform is now fully operationalized The IRECKE platform convened its first policy engagement in March 2023 wherein the Chief Executives of the Regional Bodies deliberated on the practical and programmatic lessons for structured solutions to Silencing the Guns in Africa Given the pervasive threat of terrorism and growing insecurity in the 5 regions of the Union the second policy session took place yesterday in Nairobi with the theme “Cross Regional Strategies in Preventing Terrorism and Violent Extremism” All the 10 Regional Communities and Mechanisms contributed to sharing lesions and learning from their regional perspectives and the success stories from 2 Member States – Algeria and Egypt The IRECKE engagement recorded critical lessons of what worked Regional and Continental levels (premised on multi-country approaches).  The 2nd IRECKE platform reviewed the implementation of Counter Terrorism strategies for Northern Africa West Africa pertaining to the Lake Chad Basin & the Sahel the Horn of Africa & East Africa focusing on Somalia Southern Africa with Mozambique as the point of attention the Key lessons from the outcomes of the 2nd IRECKE Policy Session on Counter Terrorism: Lesson #One: A robust multidimensional and comprehensive response works effectively when such strategy is based on a durable strategic combination of well-defined legal framework; kinetic solutions and the whole of society approach; Lesson #Two: Adequate Research & Analysis At The Level Of Political Leaders Informed By Prompt And Real-Time Intelligence Sharing Is Efficient In Defeating Terrorists; Lesson #Three: All The Regional Bodies Agreed That A Fundamental Way To Counter Terrorism Effectively Is To Block The Sources Of Financing By Terrorist Groups IRECKE proposes the strengthening of internal and external financial systems in combating illicit financing of terrorism and violent extremism; Lesson #Four: The cross-regional and globalizing nature and scope of terrorism demands the necessity of effective coordination between continental and regional peace operations and the building of integrated and requisite anti-terrorism offensive capabilities The regional bodies affirmed that this is critical for rapid and successful deployment of peace enforcement missions Lesson #Five: Any deployment of Counterterrorism Missions beyond 30 days is not a good practice and therefore not effective This is a forwardlooking lesson for the future operationalization and deployment of the African Standby Force; Lesson #Six: No Member State is spared from the scourge of terrorism 5ly all the 5 regions are currently experiencing the specter of terrorism no region can combat violent extremism alone This calls for an effective collective security and seamless collaboration among all stakeholders; Lesson #Seven: RECs & RMs under IRECKE showcased the good results usually associated with the adoption and implementation of counter terrorism legal and policy frameworks at country-level and psychosocial support to victims to build resilient communities as well as the promotion of religious tolerance & addressing the hate perverted ideology of hate that violent extremism and radicalization fuels; Lesson #Eight: Critical collaboration and coordination between continental regional and national actors to implement counter terrorism strategies is vital in holistically addressing the scourge of violent extremism; Lesson #Nine: That the value-driven Global Partnership be forged to Counter Terrorism with restructured focus on enhancing Africa’s offensive capabilities; must take into account addressing the global threat posed by climate change which is a threat multiplier Climate security is imperative to peace and stability; Excellencies I present to you these 10 critical lessons for your information It is also pertinent to inform your Excellencies that on a related note I-RECKE and other stakeholders joined the AU Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to launch the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT) yesterday This facility Co-created by the AU & UNDP promotes collective action and solidarity in deepening democracy as we confront the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government This facility represents the call to support the Implementation of the Accra and Malabo Declarations on Unconstitutional Changes of Government will operate as a multi-pronged instrument to provide timely support to inclusive towards the restoration of constitutional order What is crystal clear is the value addition of this AU I-RECKE remains a veritable mechanism for improved collaboration at the continental and regional spaces RECs/RMs are committed to continue to use this Platform as an inclusive knowledge hub and policy-to-practice tool - Today IRECKE functions as a coordination point to re-energize early warning systems We stand ready and resolute to intensify the sharing of lessons and boost regional political cooperation to achieve the 7 aspirations of the agenda 2063.  let me refer to the quote this morning by H.E President Azali ASSOUMANI of the Union of Comoros and Chair of the AU “Without peace and security we cannot achieve regional integration” Regional Mechanisms and the African Union are demonstrating the institutional will and interface under the auspices of the AU I-RECKE to provide the enabling peaceful environment for stronger Regional Integration and shared prosperity Claims that fireworks shot from a private yacht sparked a fire in Hydra’s only pine forest on Friday night have caused widespread indignation broke out in a remote area of trees and vegetation with no road access on the south-eastern tip of the island a tender and a helicopter are still at the scene dealing with small flare ups Local officials have condemned the incident “We are indignant that some people so irresponsibly fired fireworks into a pine forest,” Hydra Mayor Giorgos Koukoudakis said commenting on media reports on the incident The municipality will press charges against those who caused the fire when they are identified by the authorities Koukoudakis said Hydriot officials were informed about the fire at 11.20 p.m who were able to see the fire in the remote area “We are at the peak of the tourist season so everyone needs to be responsible for their actions,” he told state broadcaster ERT Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page If you feel this is an error, please submit a support request .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Express-Times staffView full sizeExpress-Times Photo | BILL ADAMSThe Recke children from left Adam suffers from Neimann-Pick Type C disease.By all appearances Adam Recke is a typical sixth-grade student at East Hills Middle School The 11-year-old enjoys sports and recently attended his first school dance Recke was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease known as Niemann-Pick Type C the family continues to lead the crusade to accelerate testing of drugs that can slow its progression for Support of Accelerated Research for Niemann-Pick Type C (SOAR-NPC) They must raise the remaining $15,000 by February Adam currently takes an experimental drug Zavesca The family hopes that insurance continues to cover the expensive medicine that he has been taking for five years Read more about Adam Recke and his family from Sara K Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2025) © 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us) The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Advance Local Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here Ad Choices On the sidelines of the fifth mid-year coordination meeting in Nairobi the African Union (AU) and regional economic communities (RECs) hosted the second inter-regional knowledge exchange (I-RECKE) meeting on early warning and conflict prevention I-RECKE was launched in Lusaka in July 2022 during the fourth mid-year summit as a platform for intra-continental and cross-regional learning toward securing peace and security sharing lessons and experiences to foster good governance and conflict prevention Various RECs and regional mechanisms (RMs) participated in the second policy session themed ‘Cross-regional strategies in preventing terrorism and violent extremism’ It provided structured interaction between the AU Commission (AUC) and RECs/RMs on lessons from counter-terrorism operations if filtered into implementation and decision-making are opportunities for cross-fertilisation of ideas and information on ongoing efforts and refining existing interventions questions linger around the initiative and the continued ambiguity and lack of awareness of its function and objectives This is despite a year in existence and a second major gathering to pursue its goals resources and method of engagement will determine whether I-RECKE makes it past infancy Greater clarity is needed on how the platform intends to improve collaboration between the AUC and REC/RMS and if it intends to enhance coordination between RECs ability to carve a niche and mode of engagement with stakeholders and partners will determine whether the initiative makes it past infancy As all five regions of the continent continue to face emerging peace and security challenges the imperative and potential of I-RECKE are paramount The initiative holds potential as a platform to coalesce myriad intervention arrangements all of which generate different understandings and efforts to counter transnational threats there’s a need for enhanced cooperation and coordination between and among member states I-RECKE provides an institutionalised mechanism to achieve this goal in a coherent and structured way Another role is to create synergies between the African Governance Architecture and African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) allowing for interoperability continentally and regionally it should be remembered that existing mechanisms and coordination forums perform these functions the mid-year meeting itself is meant to be a platform for information exchange to improve working methods and engagement between the AUC and RECs/RMs complementarity and division of labour between AU and RECs persist it is difficult to imagine how I-RECKE will fare differently in improving AU-REC coordination I-RECKE exists among many initiatives and mechanisms with similar and competing objectives The two policy sessions of I-RECKE convened thus far focused on silencing the guns and preventing terrorism and violent extremism respectively Yet thematic areas discussed have various APSA instruments frameworks and mechanisms to drive policymaking and practice This nascent initiative may need to carve out a niche objective for greater impact the virtual silencing the guns policy session hosted by I-RECKE in March 2023 sought to curate several recommendations to help improve RECs’ implementation of the initiative the master roadmap on silencing the guns and the accompanying monitoring and evaluation plan outline specific areas for REC involvement and implementation of the initiative In terms of preventing and countering violent extremism a surfeit of instruments and structures exist most prominently the Nouakchott process on enhancing security cooperation and operationalising APSA and the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism There are also the Accra Initiative and the recent Declaration on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government adopted in Malabo in May 2022 These tools provide for greater cooperation and coordination among member states Is I-RECKE then a supra-platform that brings all these together or an additional one for cooperation and exchange of lessons learnt?  While its objectives are comprehensive in providing a mechanism for early warning and response for conflict prevention its wide-ranging scope and number of objectives are a weakness I-RECKE’s five primary objectives straddle different elements of the peace spectrum For a nascent initiative seeking to succeed amid similar and competing initiatives it may be worthwhile to carve out a niche objective for greater impact Alternatively I-RECKE could be an umbrella initiative combining the different tools and mechanisms I-RECKE was launched and is driven by the AUC under the auspices of the Political Affairs and Peace and Security department. A representative and inclusive model, the platform will be co-chaired by the commissioner and a REC/RM representative on a one-year rotational basis the chair of I-RECKE is Ambassador Gilberto da Piedade Verissimo the RECs/RMs representative and President of the Economic Community of Central African States rotational chairship will allow for decentralised decision-making and an all-encompassing and collaborative approach The chair’s capacity is also an important contributor to success Their impact will be based on factors such as resources and the strength of the REC/RM The duration of chairship also matters as it allows the chair a longer period to resolve complex and intricate challenges that realistically may not be achievable in a year Whether the request to launch and sustain I-RECKE was made by the AUC or RECs has implications for its success sustain I-RECKE was made by the AUC or regional communities has implications for its success and longevity Initiatives at continental level require greater political buy-in and support from a greater number of member states and RECs it is a priority to raise awareness on the platform and clarify the expected roles and responsibilities of RECs and individual member states to make the initiative a success Appointing a high-level champion could also assist in acquiring resources and political will from RECs/RMS and private and developmental actors The Nairobi meeting was meant to select the subsequent I-RECKE chair yet time constraints and logistics challenges prevented this It will be interesting to note the impact and progress of the platform if and when a new co-chair is selected Clarity is lacking on whether early warnings and information exchanged within I-RECKE will reach and inform policy decisions of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) as the key peace and security decision-making body Coordination with other key PSC and Permanent Representative Committee stakeholders is also missing African Defence Attaches Forum and Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa which provide crucial input and information on critical continental peace and security challenges as integral levers of lessons learnt and the early warning system I-RECKE may need to make significant changes to meet its goals and close the chasm between the AUC and RECs on governance Greater publicisation and awareness-raising will be paramount as there is much still to be known about I-RECKE even among continental and regional policy actors Image: © African Union Political Affairs Peace and Security/ Twitter Kentucky State Police Post 2 Madisonville will welcome Trooper Stu Recke back to its ranks Trooper Recke officially retired from KSP on August 1st he was sworn in by Muhlenberg County Judge Brian Crick as a Kentucky State Police Trooper-R (retired) to be sworn in and return working for KSP as a Trooper for a period of up to five years The Trooper-R does not receive any type of benefits or retirement contributions KSP has a toll-free number (1-800-222-5555) that citizens can call to confidentially report impaired drivers or criminal activity They can also download the free KSP mobile phone app road and traffic information as well as text voice and photo tip capabilities to report criminal behavior iPad and Android applications and can be easily downloaded free of charge through Apple and Google Play stores Return to News Archive Home Thanks for visiting Keith Dominick are pleased to announce their engagement The bride-to-be is the daughter of Doreen and John Recke of Kingston She is a 1995 graduate of Sacred Heart High School a 1998 graduate of Trinity College-Washington D.C. and a 2001 from Boston College of Social Work where she received her Masters degree in social work She is employed as a social worker at Whidden Hospital The prospective groom is the son of Richard and Jeanne Dominick of Marshfield He is a 1997 graduate of Medfield High School and a 2006 graduate of UMass Medical School where he earned his degree as medical doctor He is employed as a pediatrician at New England Medical Center Home » Official Statement Workneh Gebeyehu IGAD Executive Secretary Pre Launch of the Inter-Regional Knowledge Exchange on Early Warning and Conflict Prevention (I-Recke) Lusaka I am pleased to join you all today as we celebrate the pre-launch of the Inter-regional knowledge exchange on early warning and conflict prevention This event comes at an opportune moment when the contemporary challenges we all face to peace and security at regional continental and global levels call for collective and more coordinated preventive action this platform provides the much-needed opportunity for deeper integration between the African Union the Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms to anticipate and prevent conflict the platform should go further and purpose to also include and enhance early warning capacities within the member states because their input is invaluable and will undoubtedly make our collaboration more meaningful and successful IGAD is very pleased that this platform squarely addresses the challenges arising from ad-hoc collaborations on conflict prevention and early warning which missed out on the opportunity to craft structured avenues for deliberating on peace and security challenges We now have the means to come up with collective and sustainable solutions through joint policy formulation and smart peace interventions The technical meetings and tools developed so far between the AU Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) and the early warning systems within the RECs have proved particularly useful in strengthening the capacity to learn about early warning across the continent the impact of these same products has been limited in influencing policy and action; And this is mainly because of there is still a big gap between the frontline conflict monitors on the local level and decision makers at the continental level We see this platform as a move towards closing this gap because it provides opportunity for structured and regular exchange of information between these two important actors this platform also has the potential to improve the link between early warning and early response with conflict prevention and preventive diplomacy tools You have my full and personal assurance that IGAD looks forward to being an active part of this initiative allow me Commissioner to congratulate you and your team on your success in launching this mechanism Official Statement – I-RECKE Launch 16.07.2022 The African Union (AU) Department of Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS) has launched a new platform the Inter-Regional Knowledge Exchange (I-RECKE) It will coordinate and share information between the AU Commission and regional economic communities and regional mechanisms (RECs/RMs) with the support and participation of other AU organs Details of the platform were revealed during a presentation on 16 July in Lusaka Its official launch by the heads of state and government followed on 17 July at the fourth AU-RECs mid-year coordination meeting I-RECKE is a pan-African mechanism for developing capturing and documenting knowledge and sharing lessons learnt and experiences on governance and conflict prevention on the continent It aims to facilitate more structured and regular early warning interactions than in the past among organisations particularly the Peace and Security Council (PSC) relies heavily on evidence-based analyses about conflicts brewing in Africa A lack of early information and consensus about the gravity of a crisis often delays extinguishing small fires before full-blown blazes erupt The new platform aims to improve learning on best practices conflict prevention and resilience building I-RECKE seeks to improve cross-regional learning on best practices conflict prevention and resilience building against the propagating factors and triggers of conflicts violent extremism and climate-induced insecurity The platform is to be co-chaired rotationally by the commissioner for political affairs peace and security and an REC/RM chief executive The chairs and officials will meet several times a year and an annual report will be tabled at the AU-RECs mid-year meeting REC/RM representatives in Addis Ababa will also be key in facilitating knowledge sharing The I-RECKE technical advisory group will consist of directors or heads of divisions responsible for political governance and early warning/conflict prevention in the RECS/RMs Sharing lessons from conflicts across the continent should enhance crisis prevention and response effectiveness It should generate a common understanding of similarities and differences of latent and manifest crisis dynamics in geographical space and time responses to terrorism and violence in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin which could guide responses in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province Lessons could include combating terrorism financing rule of law approaches to violent extremism or community-based dialogue options Early action is imperative to prevent conflicts from crossing borders Sharing best practices on specific conflict prevention mechanisms and post-conflict reconstruction approaches will be key learning from dilemmas in negotiating ends to protracted conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone and their implications for post-conflict reconstruction and development can be extremely helpful for similar situations these lessons should be shared through processes and methodological approaches supported by research and evidence-based analyses The new platform could enhance cooperation amid ongoing efforts to strengthen the AU-RECs/RMs relationship notably division of labour in tackling conflicts REC/RM liaison offices in Addis Ababa will play a crucial role I-RECKE is expected to complement PAPS’s continental early warning system (CEWS) The Southern African Development Community system The mechanism in East Africa focuses mainly on cross-border pastoralist issues among the members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) The Economic Community of West African States’ warning system Key to success will be follow-through from I-RECKE to CEWS so that warning bells are rung in the right places and the message reaches decision makers with the power to act discussions around emerging crises remain with experts or officials rather than being widely shared among actors who might need the lessons for better decision making I-RECKE will benefit from support from partners including the United Nations (UN) Development Programme and the UN Office to the AU (UNOAU) I-RECKE could enhance cooperation amid efforts to strengthen relations between the AU and RECs/RMs UNOAU head Parfait Onyanga said I-RECKE could become a powerful tool to address the perennial cycle of conflicts on the continent The threats and challenges facing Africa need ‘innovative thinking’ and enhanced collaboration among existing mechanisms A smooth interoperability between the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture of the AU will also be crucial Think tanks and academic institutions focusing on peace and security will be involved Civil society organisations and some RECs are closer to the coalface and a valuable resource for decision makers on horizon scanning AU organs such as the African Peer Review Mechanism and AU Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights should also share information notably on governance and human rights violations The AU is a member state-driven organisation and the 15-member PSC is the highest decision-making body on peace and security issues It acts on information it receives from the AU Credible and independently generated knowledge and information enhanced by the platform through the AU’s structures and platforms could be a basis for consensus on whether crises are at a point that requires PSC action A common position on certain issues is often very difficult to find especially if there is no shared reading of the situation Powerful and innovative tools are worth testing and could play an important role given support and buy-in from member states Image: © African Union Political Affairs Peace and Security/Twitter .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Tom Hinkel | For lehighvalleylive.comCourtesy photoJosh ReckeEddie Milisitsgot it started and 1-1 LVC) jumped on sophomore Jake Carty for three runs on four hits in the bottom of the first Brian Uliana doubled to deep center field and scored when the lefty swinging Milisits hit a towering drive that carried over the right-center field fence Milisits' blast might have been aided by a swirling wind blowing from left to right Consecutive doubles by Cal Davis and Frank Bucsi plated the third Freedom run Trailing 4-2, Becahi threatened in the sixth inning when singles by Carty and Dan Niccum put runners on first and second with one out Recke escaped by inducing Zac Sedler to bounce into a 6-4-3 double play Freedom padded its lead to 5-2 in the bottom of the inning Bucsi's single scored courtesy runner Andrew Burcaw Recke ran into trouble when he sandwiched walks to Pat Mergel and Collin McGeary around a pop out Recke put out the fire by getting Connor Hedash to rap into a game-ending 4-6-3 double play Bucsi, Kevin Rold and Sean Wrobel all had two hits for Freedom Mengel, Jake Criscuolo and Niccum each had a pair of hits for the Golden Hawks (2-3 Victorians are spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor activities and people of all ages backgrounds and abilities should be able to access the benefits of nature Parks Victoria has a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our parks something which three mates in Western Port recently learnt John and James enjoyed fishing and boating on the waters of Western Port but from 2019 A degenerative condition that has impacted on his health made it too difficult for him to join these fishing adventures Recently, John and James hatched a plan to get their mate Mario back out on the water and connected with Tim from Purple Soup an organisation dedicated to helping people affected by serious illness Tim knew that Parks Victoria had recently installed an accessible pontoon and hoist anchor point at Tooradin Jetty, so arranged to borrow a manual hoist for the day from Mornington Yacht Club through their Sailability Program and teamed up with Mario’s friends to take Mario out fishing in James’ boat Mario was able to safely access the boat in his wheelchair and enjoy a day of fun on the water We hear plans for their next fishing adventure are well underway Parks Victoria believes in the concept of environmental justice - that all people should have equitable access to nature for enjoyment and to enhance their mental and physical health With almost one in five Australians living with a disability of some type Parks Victoria is undertaking work to remove barriers to park access and participation for visitors with disabilities As part of the work we recently installed anchor points for visitors to use their own manual hoists at Tooradin Jetty pontoon as well as the free electric hoist at Patterson River These hoist anchor points are suitable for the outdoor Hansa C Crane hoists that Sailability Clubs and other disability recreation groups commonly use Similar anchor points are also provided on the Patterson River floating pontoon Find out more about Parks Victoria’s facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our parks at www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/all-abilities-access Tooradin Jetty was upgraded as part of the State Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works economic stimulus package. Watch this video ‘Rebuilding Tooradin Jetty’ to find out more about the jetty enhancements This story is published with the permission of the three friends Image credit: John Kenright Parks Victoria From Junior Ranger activities to family-friendly camping here are 10 unmissable school holiday nature activities in Victoria’s parks Take a moment for yourself and embrace the rejuvenating power of nature by trialling one of Parks Victoria’s three new Nature Wellness Trails More visitors to Wilsons Promontory will soon be able to see iconic Australian animals in their natural habitat with an upgrade of the popular Prom Wildlife Walk now underway and subscribe to receive the latest nature inspiration and news straight to your inbox Victoria’s networks of parks and reserves form the core of Aboriginal cultural landscapes Parks Victoria acknowledges the continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these landscapes and recognises their ongoing role in caring for Country on which we learn Sea ​​turtles caused terror for swimmers at the Port of Hersonissos in Crete Because these likeable reptiles and an attraction for tourists they are still wild animals that need special attention when interacting with them diving in the sea at the front of her house in the Port of Hersonissos realising that she had been bitten by a sea turtle “If it does not happen to you, you do not value it. One day when I was swimming with my son, I received this very strong bite, the pain was very sharp,” she said when speaking to MEGA Then while she was being treated by a doctor attacks by sea turtles have upset residents and businesses in the area who warn bathers not to throw food into the sea “Usually these incidents occur when local businesses or fishermen discard food or flutter their nets or deliberately want to feed the turtles in order to see them in the area and be seen by the public,” said Lydia Koutrouditsou As for how one should react if confronted with a wild animal “Definitely do not try to touch it and do not try to approach it because the animal can feel threatened Admire it from a distance and slowly move away,” she advised READ MORE: 200kg wild boar killed in Central Greece: See the video V průběhu pátečního odpoledne na krnovském Hlavním náměstí vystoupili také členové folklorních souborů Krnov - V rámci Řeckých dnů 2008 si řecká komunita v Krnově v těchto dnech připomněla šedesáté výročí příchodu Řeků do tehdejšího Československa celou řadou akcí června přijala starostka Renata Ramazanová na radnici pravoslavného biskupa olomoucko-brněnské eparchie vladyku Simeona zástupce řecké menšiny v čele s předsedou Asociace Řeckých obcí v České republice Christosem Bialasem a hosty z Řecka mezi nimiž byl například režisér George Agathonikiadis vedení Řecko-českého spolku z Atén nebo členové folklórních souborů kteří vystoupili v průběhu pátečního odpoledne na krnovském Hlavním náměstí výročí příchodu Řeků do naší republiky je pro Krnov nesmírně významné „Když jsem včera na toto téma hovořila s režisérem Georgem Agathonikiadisem řekl moudrou myšlenku: že toto setkání je setkáním přátel a setkáním těch na jeho počátku stály tragické události a on tuto slavnost vnímá jako poděkování Čechům za pomoc v nouzi že právě naše město poskytlo řeckým exulantům nový domov Řecká menšina se stala nedílnou součástí Krnova a velmi aktivně se podílí na tvorbě kulturní atmosféry tohoto města což je dáno jeho polohou na hranici s Polskem a také historickými osudy že v jeho novodobé historii Řekové hrají důležitou roli,“ uvedla starostka Česko – řecké tématice se také věnuje film Podzimní návrat června osobně uvedl jeho režisér George Agathonikiadis Přestože většina řeckých rodin postupně využila možnost repatriace na Krnovsku jsou stále významnou národnostní menšinou Podíl řeckých spoluobčanů na rozvoji Krnova připomíná výstava fotografií v krnovském kině Mír Vernisáž přilákala Řeky i jejich české přátele kteří ve vestibulu kina Mír na dobových fotografiích hledali sebe i své blízké a známé Výstava nabídla černobílé fotky ze života Řeků v Krnově v letech 1949 až 1970 a také aktuální fotky ze současného života řeckých obcí v Krnově Byly zde například fotografie tanečního souboru Antigoni nebo Řecké školy Aristea V zahajovací řeči rekapituloval Georgios Bazakas a popsal jejich bezvýchodnou životní situaci ve válečném konfliktu které do Československa přišly bez rodičů a byly umístěny v dětských domovech I přes všechny nesnáze a počáteční jazykovou bariéru se Řekům podařilo plně zapojit se do společenského sportovního i kulturního života v nové vlasti Právě momenty ze sportovních a kulturních akcí fotografie nejčastěji zachycují V závěru vernisáže Bazakas návštěvníky pozval na promítání filmu Podzimní návrat Tento snímek zachytil autobiografické vzpomínky režiséra filmu George Agathonikiadise Film lákal diváky nejen silným příběhem a zajímavou tématikou ale také hvězdným obsazením v čele s Jiřím Bartoškou Vlastimilem Brodským a dalšími předními herci Film krátce uvedl sám režisér George Agathonikiadis Zachycuje řeckou duši,“ řekl režisér před promítáním svého filmu že si rád po promítání vyslechne jejich ohlasy Oslavy pokračovaly také ve večerních hodinách V paláci Silesia propukla tradiční řecká zábava K setkání přátel z Řecka a České republiky hrála skupina Saloniki které z jejich vlasti vyhnala občanská válka přijala Československá republika v roce 1948 Řecká národnostní menšina se díky československé pomoci dokázala plně včlenit do života této republiky Dospělí se zapojili do výrobního procesu a dětem byla poskytnuta v dětských domovech pro tento účel zřízených veškerá péče a bylo jim umožněno dosáhnout jakéhokoli vzdělání což byla třetina obyvatel města a zároveň největší koncentrace řecké menšiny v naší republice kdy došlo ke změně politického režimu v Řecku ale mnoho jich zůstalo a spojilo svou další budoucnost s Českou republikou V současnosti se k řecké národnosti v České republice hlásí asi tři tisíce lidí