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Johnny Crow about to be surprised by late father’s gift!

PORT HURON, Mich. (CBS) An eastern Michigan teenager whose father recently passed away has received a surprise birthday gift from him posthumously, CBS Detroit reports.

Heartbreaking video footage shows 16-year-old Johnny Crow tearfully accepting a Dean Razorback guitar from the Port Huron Music Center as a birthday gift from his father, John.

Crow died at the age of 49 after a heart attack in April.

The music center’s owner, Pete Kruse, says Crow ordered the guitar in January for his son. About a month ago, Kruse contacted Johnny’s 20-year-old sister, Chandler Mae, about the gift.

“When she [Johnny’s guitar teacher] showed me I just dropped to my knees, I just couldn’t believe it,” she wrote on Facebook. “But I had to keep it a secret until his birthday.”

“So today is my little brother’s 16th birthday, and his first birthday without our dad. But dad was always filled with surprises.

About a month ago I dropped Johnny off at his guitar lesson, and one of the amazing instructors told me there was something I should see. When she showed me I just dropped to my knees, I just couldn’t believe it. But I had to keep it a secret until his birthday. So this morning I woke up and picked up my brother from school and blindfolded him. Drove him to the music center and this is the outcome. A big thank you goes out to the Port Huron Music Center , who helped keep my dad’s dream alive. Happy 16th birthday, buddy. Dad is so proud of you. I love you more than words can describe.”

She captured footage of the birthday surprise, and shared it on social media. The video has been viewed more than 6 million times on Facebook.

Johnny says the supportive messages and shared stories of grief have helped him cope with the loss of his father.

CBS News

http://www.winknews.com/2017/06/09/video-of-teen-receiving-birthday-gift-from-deceased-father-goes-viral/

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COLORADO’S NEW CERTIFIED CREATIVE DISTRICTS ANNOUNCED

DENVER – June 13, 2017 – Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) today announced the certification of three new Creative Districts into the Colorado Creative Districts Program. The newly certified districts are Manitou Springs Creative District, Steamboat Springs Creative District and Westwood Creative District (Denver). Certification is for a five year period. Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe and the Salida Creative District were approved for re-certification following the initial five year period.

“These 2017 certified creative districts are great examples of how the arts create exciting places for people to visit and live,” said Governor John Hickenlooper. “These districts increase quality of life, help with economic vitality of the area and attract people from all over Colorado and the country.”

A review panel evaluated applications and three finalists were selected for site visits. Applications were reviewed using the following criteria: district characteristics, management and planning, community buy-in. Districts must meet a rigorous set of minimum standards in order to achieve certification such as recognition by local government, a high concentration of creative organizations and businesses, sustainable funding sources, paid staff, and a strategic plan.

The newly certified districts will join the 18 existing Colorado Creative Districts: 40West Arts District, Breckenridge Creative District, Carbondale Creative District, Corazon de Trinidad, Crested Butte Creative District, Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, Downtown Colorado Springs Creative District, Fort Collins Creative District, Golden Triangle Creative District, Greeley Creative District, Longmont Arts and Entertainment District, Mancos Creative District, North Fork Valley Creative District, Pueblo Creative Corridor, Ridgway Creative District, RiNo Arts District, Salida Creative District and Telluride Arts District.

“The goal of this program is to help Colorado Creative Districts achieve the administrative structure, funding streams, community engagement process and strategic plan that provide opportunities to grow the creative economy,” said Margaret Hunt, CCI director.

Along with official designation, each district will receive an award package including financial support, technical assistance, marketing support, access to grants, CDOT highway signs, and leadership training.

Applicants and finalists not selected for official designation will have access to the Call Yourself Creative platform, a website offering access to webinars, case studies and additional resources for building creative communities http://www.callyourselfcreative.org.

For more information, please visit http://www.coloradocreativeindustries.org.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE DISTRICTS PROGRAM
In 2011, the Colorado General Assembly passed HB11-1031, encouraging the formation of Creative Districts in communities, neighborhoods or contiguous geographic areas. Administered by Colorado Creative Industries, the Creative District Program encourages the formation of creative districts in neighborhoods and contiguous geographic areas for the purpose of:

● Attracting artists and creative entrepreneurs to a community
● Enhancing economic and civic capital of Colorado communities
● Creating hubs and clusters of economic activity
● Enhancing areas as appealing places to live, conduct businesses and attract visitors
● Serving as an economic strategy and magnet
● Revitalizing and beautifying
● Promoting a community’s unique identity
● Showcasing cultural and artistic events and amenities

ABOUT COLORADO CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
Colorado Creative Industries, Colorado’s state arts agency, is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Established to capitalize on the immense potential for our creative sector to enhance economic growth in Colorado, the mission of Colorado Creative Industries is to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado’s economy, grow jobs and enhance our quality of life.

http://www.advancecolorado.com

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