Latest news with #DebbieSmith
Otago Daily Times
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Exhibition puts local art, artists on display
The Waimumu Art Exhibition went off without a hitch last weekend with around 250 visitors on Mother's Day and a sea of red "sold" stickers, organisers say. Exhibition artistic director Debbie Smith said the show was a success with cars parked around the block to view the multimedia display. She said the exhibition tried to attract a broad range of artists so there would something for everyone to enjoy as well as buy to display in their homes. Upon entering the Waimumu Te Tipua Hall, guests were given a piece of paper to write their favourite artwork of the show, to be deposited in a "wishing well" sculpture at the entrance. Votes from the well will be counted at the conclusion of the exhibition to determine the winner of the People's Choice award. The show had its own "shop" in a separate section of the hall, for people to buy other craft items such as candles and soaps, to further support local artists. She said the exhibition also had raffles for the community to show their support, if the artworks they wanted to take home were already sold. The hall had a lounge section with coffee, tea and a selection baked goods such as scones with jam on offer for visitors who wanted to have a sit down and catch up in-between viewing the artworks. The overgrown garden-themed tea room also featured works by a local preschool, made by the budding artists using autumn leaves. Students from Te Tipua School also had an artistic submission on show. In the leadup to the event, Ms Smith said her aim was to display affordable artwork by artists from the surrounding area. She said the exhibition aimed to create an immersive environment, where viewers could view the art as well as sit and foster connections with people, amid the works. The show was also meant to put money back into the Waimumu community she said, and the proceeds would go to local initiatives. The show closes today at 4pm.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
People invited to visit crematoria this Mother's Day
The Westerleigh Group is inviting grieving families to its crematoria for Mother's Day. People can visit the New Forest, Test Valley and Wessex Vale sites to remember lost loved ones. Visitors can post messages and Mother's Day cards in memorial post boxes. The Westerleigh Group, which owns 41 crematoria and cemeteries in the UK, is offering peaceful spaces for reflection at each site. READ MORE: Inquest opens into sudden death of 22-year-old woman Each crematorium has its own arrangements, with some hosting memorial services. Visitors can write personalised messages on memory tags, light commemorative candles or decorate pebbles, which can be placed on memorials or taken home. Many sites will also provide flowers to lay at memorials or take home. The Westerleigh Group's chief executive officer, Debbie Smith, said: "Our Mother's Day invitation is open to anyone, whether or not there is a memorial to their mother or mother figure at any of our crematoria or where their funeral took place." She added that people are welcome regardless of when their loss occurred or where they live. Between Monday, March 3 and Wednesday, April 30, the Westerleigh Group is offering free personalisation, worth up to £500, for families who buy new granite memorials or EverWith personal jewellery. This includes hand-designed artwork, engravings or plaques.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Medicaid expansion advocates speak in Montgomery
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — People gathered in Montgomery for Medicaid Expansion Advocacy Day on Tuesday. One group, Cover Alabama, said it wants lawmakers and the governor to expand Medicaid. It said nearly 200,000 Alabamians are in the coverage gap. Republicans said they would consider it, but the cost is a concern. 'Our state leaders have the power to fix this, to create a system that ensures people can see a doctor when they're sick, afford the medication they need and get care before a small health issue becomes a crisis,' said Debbie Smith of Cover Alabama. Over 100 pharmacies walk out to support Alabama bill 'But the devil is in the details, right?' state Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre). 'We've seen a lot of federal money evaporate — grants disappear. We want to make sure that if we do this, we can sustain it, and we're not stuck paying a huge cost because we've got to fund state government. We've got to fund education.' Attendees spoke with their lawmakers about the issue after holding a press conference. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
