October 2009

Gondoliers Row on Cross Lake to Raise Awareness of Scout-O-Rama

Irving, Texas (Oct. 20, 2009) – The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau and Gondola Adventures have teamed up to support the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Norwela Council (NC) with a gondola row on Cross Lake on Friday, Oct. 23.  The gondola row is designed to raise awareness of the Council’s Scout-O-Rama on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Louisiana Boardwalk.  Irving chose to support the event because the BSA and National Scouting Museum are based in Irving, and Gondola Adventures operates gondolas along the Mandalay Canal in Irving’s Las Colinas.
 

Irving gondoliers Greg Mohr, an Eagle Scout, and Matthew Schenk will start the gondola row at the Cross Lake Patrol pier in Shreveport, 2900 Municipal Pier Rd., at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, in a Venetian-designed gondola named “Rosa.”  The 32-foot-long gondola weighs approximately 1,500 pounds.  Rosa will travel around the lake at an average speed of 2-3 mph, depending on lake conditions.
 

The Scout-O-Rama is NC’s official kick-off for the Boy Scouts of America’s 100^th Anniversary celebration and showcases all the adventure Scouting has to offer.  Approximately 300 participating Scouts will display various interactive exhibits, such as back packing, archery, campsite setup, and a variety of races and games.  The free Scouting event will be held Saturday, Oct. 24 at Louisiana Boardwalk from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and the gondola will be on display for all to explore.

Incorporated in 1925, the NC serves 130 Scout units covering the nine northwest parishes of Louisiana. With a goal of 3500 registered Scout members by the end of 2009, this accounts for about seven percent of the total youth available in the Council’s area.  The many Scouting programs keep members active by providing educational programs to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and to develop personal fitness.  www.norwela.org
 

Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Irving serves as the national headquarters for the Boy Scouts of America and the adjacent National Scouting Museum.  The museum is a tribute to the rich history of Scouting, with hands-on learning experiences and a historical collection that traces the Scouting movement from its beginnings.  www.irvingtexas.com
 

Contact: Jean Swindell, Tucker & Associates, jean@tuckerpr.com or 214-538-6976 cell

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at JOTA, Boy Scouts of America HQ, Irving, Texas on 17 October.
The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 21:56 UTC.

The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between NA1SS and WH6PN. The contact should be audible over Hawaii. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English.

The JOTA (Jamboree On The Air) is an annual event during which Scouts throughout the world meet each other through amateur radio contacts. JOTI (Jamboree On The Internet) is another event where Scouts make contacts using the Computers and Internet. JOTA/JOTI contributes to better understanding and mutual respect between youngsters in different countries. This annual event is sponsored by the World Scout Bureau. Thousands of amateur radio stations around the world participate.

This event is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America and the National Scouting Museum. For almost 100 years, Scouting programs have instilled in youth the values found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The Boy Scouts of America helps the youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives.

The National Scouting Museum preserves, collects, organizes, and displays Scouting’s treasures-documenting the movement’s unique influence on American culture and the lives of more than 110 million people.

Students will ask as many of the following questions as time allows:

1. What tools do the astronauts use in space?
2. What is your favorite planet and why?
3. Are there craters on every planet?
4. How does it feel to be weightless?
5. How “hot” is it working with all those planets? Have you ever found evidence of “cool” stuff? Have you ever found evidence of life on other planets?

6. How do you get to be an astronaut?
7. Do space suits work like diving suits? Is it hard to move in them?
8. What kind of isolation do you have to go through before becoming an astronaut?
9. What does it feel like to be in zero gravity?
10. Do you have control over the gravity on the space station? If so, how does it work?

11. Is it more fun to leave earth going into space, or coming back down to earth, and what’s it like coming back into earth’s atmosphere from space?
12. Do the Space Shuttle engines have enough fuel to go to the moon?
13. How much it will cost to go into space?
14. What do you do for fun at the space station?
15. How do you shower and exercise without gravity?

16. What kind of experiments are you doing to learn about the effects of weightlessness on astronauts and/or animals; and, how are the experiments different than those you do on Earth?
17. What is the type of fuel used in the rocket that took you to the Space Station, and do you recycle water and human-waste materials at the Space Station?
18. How fast does the Space Station go?
19. What skills did the Arctic Survival Training you received teach you that have been useful on the space station? Were you a Boy Scout, and if you were, how have skills you learned there helped you in space?
20. How cool is the Space Station?

21. How many craters are on the moon?
22. How does it feel to see Earth from space?
23. How long will you be in space?

Information about the upcoming ARISS contacts can be found at http://www.ariss.org/upcoming.htm#NextContact.

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ —

This fall, Omni Hotels across Texas are giving guests and locals alike the opportunity to experience the genuine local fare of the Lone Star State reinvented by Omni Hotels’ chefs.  From October 15th through December 30th, the Texas-based brand will offer menus featuring

the “Flavors of Texas,” ranging from the authentic yet upscale Bison Chili with Grilled Jalapeno Cheddar Bread, Dr Pepper Braised Short Ribs served with Burnt Corn Pudding and Free Range Chicken in a Whiskey BBQ Sauce to Gulf Coast favorites including Texas Surf & Turf with Chili-Rubbed Shrimp and Bacon-Wrapped Tenderloin. The specialty menu features food products grown and/or made in Texas, by Texans and includes brands such as: specialty cheeses from the Mozzarella Company in Dallas, Pure Luck Goat Farm & Dairy in Dripping Springs and the Veldhuizen Family Farm in Dublin; grass-fed meats from Thunder Heart Bison in Carrizo Springs and L & M Ranch near Floresville; and Buddy’s Natural Chicken in Gonzales County.

“The scope and rich diversity of the Texas terrain creates an abundance of exceptional local products and purveyors.  The depth of Texas’s culinary scene and the inventive spirit of Texas chefs mixed with these local ingredients culminate in a wonderfully flavorful and distinctive menu,” said Stephen Rosenstock, senior vice president of food and beverage for Omni Hotels.  “We are thrilled to be bringing our take on these flavors during the fall harvest season with amazing steaks, spicy chili, delicious cheeses and decadent desserts.”

Starters on the “Flavors of Texas” menu include Southern Fried Quail, Pot Roast Empanadas and Blue Crab & Shrimp Enchiladas as well as Bison Chili, Tortilla Soup and Texas Farmstead Cheese Plates.  Additional entrees include Texas Redfish and Cowboy Ribeye.  Omni is also enticing guests with a delectable dessert menu of Chocolate Pecan Pie with Fresh Cream and Caramelized Strawberries and a Brown Sugar & Apple Tart served with Whipped Goat Cheese.

Regional Texas wines, beers and spirits, such as Llano Estacado Shiraz, Shiner Holiday Cheer Beer and Dripping Springs Vodka, will also be available to pair with these savory dishes, in addition to signature specialty cocktails also available in all bars and lounges, including:

–  Austin Cosmopolitan - made with Dripping Springs Vodka and Paula’s

Texas Orange Liqueur

–  The Burnt Orange - concocted with Railean Reserve Rum and Paula’s

Texas Orange Liqueur

–  Texas Raspberry Mojito - featuring Treaty Oaks Platinum Rum

–  Texas Sunset - mixed with Dripping Springs Vodka

–  Tito Rita - prepared with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Paula’s Texas

Orange Liqueur

Guests can also experience a unique Lone Star getaway with an exclusive

“Flavors of Texas” culinary immersion weekend, available on Saturday, November 14th, at select locations across the state.  The package includes luxury accommodations, a bottle of Llano Estacado wine and Farmstead Cheese Plate welcome gift, a private afternoon cooking class with the executive chef from the “Flavors of Texas” menu, recipes, breakfast on Sunday and more.  Prices are based on double occupancy and range from $185 to $245 for the Saturday night stay. Rates do not include taxes, and the package is subject to availability.  Details, terms and conditions are available at omnihotels.com or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI.

About Omni Hotels

Omni Hotels creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at 45 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America.  From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options.  Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company’s “Power of One” associate empowerment program.  To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-THE-OMNI.

SOURCE Omni Hotels

Caryn Kboudi of Omni Hotels, +1-972-871-5625, ckboudi@omnihotels.com; or

Stefanie Samarripa of Weber Shandwick, +1-469-375-0217,

ssamarripa@webershandwick.com, for Omni Hotels

October 9, 2009

Irving, Texas – Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Sava Holdings, Ltd. and Aquila Lodging, LLC have announced the opening of Element Dallas Fort Worth Airport North in Irving, Texas, the sixth Element hotel to open globally and the second in Texas.

Inspired by Westin Hotels and Resorts, Element invites guests to check-in to a new travel experience with comfortable public spaces, modern style and environmentally-friendly design. Owned by Sava Holdings, Ltd. and managed by Aquila Lodging, LLC, the newly constructed 123-room hotel is among the first in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for high-performance buildings.

“Every aspect of Element Dallas Fort Worth Airport North is designed to help guests recharge and be at their best while they are traveling,” said Brian McGuinness, SVP for specialty select brands for Starwood. “Our guests will be able to experience a whole new perspective on longer stay travel, while enjoying easy access to the leading businesses, and the best shopping, dining and recreation in the Dallas metro area.”

The hotel’s 123 guest rooms may be customized to meet client needs with the multi-purpose, modular furniture, swiveling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving and custom-designed closets. Rooms also offer a fully equipped kitchen that features modern, ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and all the utensils necessary to prepare a gourmet meal.

The hotel also features more than 1,600 square feet of meeting space, an integrated technology center and library, as well as cafe seating, a workspace and a flexible lobby space.

“The Element Dallas Fort Worth Airport North provides travelers with a new eco-friendly alternative for extended stays, including the benefit of easy access to DFW International Airport and other Metroplex attractions,” said Suhas Naik, principal of Sava Holdings, Ltd. “I am confident that our exceptional staff, coupled with our unparalleled first-class accommodations and unique eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle offerings, will deliver a superior guest experience for both business and leisure travelers visiting our hotel.”

Aquila Lodging owns and manages Aloft, Candlewood Suites, Element, Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites.

Sava Holdings Ltd. is a venture investment company with various projects in Texas, Florida and India. The company also provides management services for the ventures it invests in. The main focus of Sava Holdings is diversity in investment to include acquisition, development and management of real estate, business ventures in the manufacturing, retail and service fields. Sava Holdings was formed by Ajay Kothari and Suhas Naik with a vision to create a multifaceted investment base for investors. The base consists of real estate investment, development and management not only in the U.S., but also Europe, Southeast Asia and East Africa.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 960 properties in approximately 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft, and Element. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc. 

Element Dallas Fort Worth Airport North to Celebrate Opening with

“Vine Cutting” Celebration – First Element to Open in D/FW

New Longer Stay Hotel is first in DFW to Pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s

LEED Certification for High-Performance Buildings

WHAT:                  Element Dallas Fort Worth Airport North hotel will host a special Vine Cutting celebration to commence the official opening of the hotel in Irving.  Irving Mayor Herbert Gears will present the hotel with a proclamation and provide remarks on what the addition of the Element means for the Irving-Las Colinas community. 

Inspired by Westin^® Hotels & Resorts, the 123-room Element Dallas Fort Worth Airport North hotel is the first Element to open in D/FW, the second in Texas and the sixth globally.   The hotel is also the first in D/FW to pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Certification for High-Performance Buildings.  Element invites guests to check-in to a new travel experience with comfortable public spaces, modern style and environmentally-friendly design. 

WHEN:                 Thursday, October 8, 2009

                                10:30 a.m. – program

                                11:00 a.m. – hotel tours

WHERE:                3550 W. IH 635 (southwest corner of Belt Line Road / IH 635)

                                Irving, TX

WHO:                    Irving Mayor Herbert Gears and City of Irving staff and council

                                Maura Gast, Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau and staff

Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce representatives

                                Greater Irving-Las Colinas business and community leaders

                                Sava Holdings, Ltd. representatives (owner)

                                Aquila Lodging, LLC representatives (management company)

                                Hotel staff

PHOTOS/             Photos of the commemorative “vine cutting;” presentation of proclamation by Mayor Gears;

INTERVIEWS:                interviews with hotel management and ownership and other community leaders.

MEDIA                  Shannon Hopper, Element Hotel

CONTACTS:         972.929.9800, shannon.hopper@elementdfwnorth.com

-OR-

Molli Samuels, Cooksey Communications                                           

972.580.0662, x22, molli@cookseypr.com