Beadwork of the Seminole Native Americans

Edward Abbott Ravenscroft has an interest in Native American tribes, including the Seminoles, Apache Chickasaw, and Navajo. The Seminoles originated in Florida during the 1700s when members of the Creek tribe sought new lands due to conflicts with other tribes and Europeans. At one point in time, the people of the Seminole tribe were at war with the United States and referred to themselves as "Unconquered People" due to eluding capture for years. The Seminoles today are descendants of 300 Native Americans who evaded the US Army. There are currently more than 2,000 Seminoles spread throughout Florida.

The Seminole culture included basketry, art, and beadwork. Edward Abbott Ravenscroft has an associated interest in Native American jewelry. Beadwork was a part of daily life for Seminoles and was incorporated in daily routines. Beads were prized by Seminole women who wore approximately 12 pounds at a time. Beads were valued to the extent that groceries were the only commodity prioritized over them. Beads were also important in Seminole relationships. A Seminole man usually included a gift of beads when courting a woman.                        

Abbott Laboratories Corporation - Development Work in Haiti

Edward Abbott Ravenscroft advocates for a healthy, active lifestyle and pursues one himself, hiking, practicing Karate, and emphasizing a healthy, organic diet. Edward Abbott Ravenscroft is a shareholder in the Abbott Laboratories Corporation.

The Abbott Laboratories Corporation produces generic pharmaceuticals, nutritional products, medical equipment, and diagnostic tools. It also performs diagnostic tests, such as blood screenings and immunoassays. The Abbott Laboratories Corporation is the current form of a company founded in 1888 by Chicago physician Wallace C. Abbott. Since then, it has grown into a global multinational company operating in 150 countries and employing over 70,000 people. It is consistently named in Fortune Magazine’s list of the world’s most admired companies and has been consistently named as one of the most sustainable companies by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

Outside of its business practices, Abbott Laboratories Inc. has partnered with nonprofits to provide expertise in development projects. One such project is the Nourimanba Production Facility of Haiti’s Central Plateau. Undertaken in partnership with Partners in Health, the project seeks to provide both economic opportunity and access to good nutrition in a region that has high rates of poverty. The effects of this investment extend beyond the facility, as farmers in the surrounding area benefit from added demand for the peanut crop.

Hohokam Petroglyphs in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Edward Abbott Ravenscroft is an Abbott Laboratories stockholder who enjoys hiking in his free time. Edward Abbott Ravenscroft’s favorite natural areas include Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park, as well as Phoenix Mountains Preserve. This network of parks features distinct remnants of cultural history, such as Hohokam petroglyphs.

Early inhabitants of central Arizona, the Hohokam practiced agriculture in Salt Valley along the Gila River until the mid-16th century. With a name meaning "those who have gone,” the Hohokam did indeed disappear suddenly. They left traces of their civilization in rock-face carvings that include abstract images as well as depictions of animals and hunters.

Though the original meaning of the Hohokam petroglyphs remains unknown, contemporary Pima Indians believe them to have spiritual significance. The carvings can be viewed from a number of trails, including the Judith Tunnel Accessible Trail in South Mountain Park, a quarter mile past the Education Center. Another petroglyph viewing spot is along the challenging Holbert Trail, which starts at the Visitor Center.

Safely Hiking the Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Trail

Edward Abbott Ravenscroft is an active investor in Abbott Laboratories Corporation and Abbvie Pharmaceuticals. Edward Abbott Ravenscroft is also an outdoorsman, enjoying trail hiking at challenging venues such as the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon.

The Bright Angel Trail is the most frequently traveled path in the park; even so, few visitors try it. The trail begins on the South Rim at the Village and descends some 4,380 feet in 9.5 miles.

This affords some magnificent views of the Canyon's plant and animal life. Of historical interest are ancient pictographs embedded in the cliff walls and the remains of coral reefs.

Hikers should carry five or six liters of water, especially in the summer, when temperatures can reach 110 degrees. By far the best start times are before dawn and in the late afternoon or evening. Conditions are less extreme during the fall and spring hiking seasons.

To ensure adequate hydration, hikers should plan on resting for 15 minutes every hour. For safety's sake, park rangers patrol the trail to monitor hikers' health.

Arizona Diamondbacks Employ Two Highly Ranked Rookie Pitchers

A graduate of Arizona State University at Tempe, Edward Abbott Ravenscroft has been a shareholder in Abbott Laboratories for four years. Edward Abbott Ravenscroft enjoys following several professional teams, including baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks.

In preparation for the 2016 season, Arizona's pitching staff has hired two highly rated prospects, both of whom were ranked in the annual Major League Baseball Pipeline. The Pipeline's 100 spots are limited to players who were rookies at the start of the 2016 season.

Ranked 78th in 2015, Braden Shipley had a strong second half of the season with the double-A Mobile Bay Bears. After the All-Star break, Shipley earned a 2.66 ERA and surrendered two runs or less in eight of his nine games. He is ranked 67th on the current Pipeline list.

Archie Bradley, holding the 72nd slot in the 2016 Pipeline, fell from the 39th ranking in 2015. In his first three starts with the Diamondbacks, Bradley gave up only three runs in 18-2/3 innings. However, a line drive injury interrupted his season; he was sent down to the Arizona Rookie League, where he achieved a 2.76 ERA by not allowing more than three runs per game.

The Pipeline's rankings consist of assessments by scouts and scouting directors. Also taken into consideration are potential benefits to the players' teams, their skills, and their clubs' closeness to the major league level. (Players aged 23 and above who competed in international leagues, such as Cuba, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan were not eligible.)

Safety Tips for Hikers at Bryce National Park

Edward Abbott Ravenscroft, a shareholder with Abbott Laboratories in Chicago, Illinois, enjoys staying active through hiking. Edward Abbott Ravenscroft frequents a number of the country’s national parks, including Bryce National Park.

Bryce National Park provides hikers with a number of unique footpaths and trails. While trails are categorized as easy, moderate, or strenuous to help hikers prepare for their day, individuals should be aware that many of the park’s trails challenge hikers with a steep ascent out of the canyon. With this in mind, casual and experienced hikers can follow a few of Bryce National Park’s tips for safe hiking.

All hikers should equip themselves with durable hiking boots that provide ample traction and ankle support to help them contend with any steep climbs. As is the case on any hiking trip, individuals should pack an appropriate amount of water. Bryce National Park suggests each person carry one liter of water for every two or three hours of hiking.

Most importantly, hikers must appreciate the fact that Bryce National Park trails can reach elevations of 9,000 feet and higher. Even those in exceptionally good shape can experience nausea and lightheadedness as a consequence of over exertion. For a full list of hiking tips and information on specific Bryce National Park trails, visit www.nps.gov/brca.                            

Traveling to Iceland

Edward Abbott Ravenscroft is a shareholder in Abbott Laboratories in Chicago, and attends the annual shareholder meetings. In his free time, Edward Abbott Ravenscroft enjoys traveling. He recently visited Iceland.

Iceland has become a major tourist destination, especially for travelers drawn to nature and adventure. Many visitors take the opportunity to drive along Route 1. Also known as the Ring Road, this highway runs more than 800 miles around the entire perimeter of the country.

If you’re interested in taking a trip around the Ring Road, do your research ahead of time and plan thoroughly. First of all, ensure that you rent a car that fits your trip. You’ll most likely want to get a vehicle with four-wheel drive that can handle all terrains and weather conditions. Secondly, make sure that you allocate enough time for the trip. A week should give you enough time to explore the country intimately and detour onto the side roads. That’s the third tip - make sure to deviate from the Ring Road. You’ll be amazed at what you can discover.