Latest news with #Gather
Herald Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Top reasons stopping Aussies from financial success
The cost of living crisis has pushed many into high levels of financial stress, yet comparison site Finder discovered many are sabotaging themselves even further. A survey of 1,011 respondents from Finder revealed that most Aussies are setting themselves up for financial failure and have exposed the biggest obstacles that stood in the way. The most common barrier was wasteful spending with the average Aussie wasting $154 per month. Over a third of respondents said the biggest waste was spending too much money on shopping, according to Finder. MORE: Insane demands of mega wealthy exposed by staff Other money mistakes included paying bills late, which one quarter of respondents were guilty of, one in five fell into credit card debt and 20 per cent said they spent too much money at bars, pubs and clubs. Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said majority of Aussies are unknowingly standing in their own way. MORE: Simple way to unlock $20k in extra home value New neighbourhood coming to Sydney 'Most people don't have a money problem – they have a mindset problem. Breaking these patterns could be the difference between staying stuck and building real financial freedom. 'The idea that you're 'too old' or 'too busy' to build wealth is a myth – and one that's costing Australians dearly.' Another major roadblock was that one in five felt their lack of financial knowledge was preventing them from financial success. 'These blockers are silent wealth killers – they creep into our everyday choices and steal opportunities,' Ms Megginson added. MORE: Alarming way Gen Z are getting homes What homes will be worth in each suburb by 2030 'But the good news is once you are aware of them, you can change them.' She urged Aussies to scrutinise all their living costs to free up more discretionary income. 'It's never too late to take control – increasing personal wealth does require a plan and discipline to reach your goals,' she said. Young Australians wasted the most money, according to a Finder survey, with gen Z admitting to wasting a whopping $237 a month, compared to just $65 by baby boomers. Finder money expert Rebecca Pike said whether you're wasting $5 or $500, it all adds up. 'It's not about living like a monk – no one is saying not to have fun and enjoy yourself from time to time,' she said. 'The more you can segment or budget what you will spend for fun, the better. 'Once you think about spending as a long-term investment rather than short-term indulgence, the more you will actually enjoy when you do splurge.' Ms Pike said even small changes can have a big impact. 'When you add it all up, that's money you could be saving for a home deposit, a holiday, or just a rainy day. 'Redirecting just a small portion of that could set you up for greater financial security, whether it's building savings or paying off debt.' Her tips included manually tracking your spending, through apps like Gather or WeMoney and putting savings into a high-interest savings account. 'It's a low-risk way to let your money grow – helping you build a financial cushion.' Other tips included putting 24-hours between unplanned purchases and unsubscribing from tempting emails and alerts. MORE: Top NSW regions for lifestyle and investors Oroton heirs' stunning $30m payday
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GBCC and Gather celebrate 3 years, CoastX empowers students: Education news
PORTSMOUTH — Great Bay Community College (GBCC) and Gather, a Portsmouth-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering a hunger-free community, celebrated the third anniversary of Gather Café at Great Bay in an event on May 1. The three-year collaboration between GBCC and Gather to create and run Gather Café is a practical, hands-on approach to reduce food insecurity among students and to expand the impact within the broader community. Located on the GBCC campus in Portsmouth at 320 Corporate Drive, Gather Café at Great Bay provides healthy, delicious meals for free or at a 50% discount to students. Members of the public, college staff and faculty purchase meals at full price to help offset some of the cost of the student subsidies. Options include hot meals, breakfast items, sandwiches, fresh fruit, salads, desserts and more. In a 2024 report, the U.S. Government Accountability Office estimated that approximately 30% of college students experience food insecurity, with higher rates likely experienced by students at community colleges. 'With a shared commitment to improving the lives of the communities that we serve, our partnership with Gather has enabled us both to be innovative in our approach to reduce food insecurity. Gather helps us ensure that GBCC students are cared for and have opportunities to thrive without worrying about where they will get their next meal. We could not be more grateful for the services and support that Gather offers both our students and the community at large,' said Cheryl Lesser, GBCC president. In three years of operation, Gather Café has served 31,345 discounted meals and 1,189 complimentary meals to GBCC students. The café's after-hours refrigerator has provided more than 10,000 free meals for students attending evening classes or needing to bring food home. The café managers also connect GBCC students experiencing food insecurity to GBCC's Student Support Counselor for additional assistance accessing resources. 'Without Gather at Great Bay, I wouldn't be eating all that healthily. It has saved me money but also improved my diet. I'm getting less soda and sugary stuff and going more towards actual healthy eating. It has had a significant impact on my energy levels throughout the day,' said Dylan Obrey, a student in GBCC's business administration program. The Gather Café is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. except for holidays and when the building is closed. Vvisit for information. KITTERY POINT, Maine — A new nonprofit is making waves in youth education. CoastX, an ocean-focused experiential learning organization, has officially launched and will welcome its first students in July 2025. Designed for middle and high school students in southern Maine and New Hampshire's Seacoast region, CoastX offers immersive, hands-on programs that connect young people to real-world coastal issues— and inspire them to be part of the solution. CoastX's two flagship summer programs will run in July and August 2025: Ocean Exploration: Students work with ocean engineers and marine biologists, operating underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to investigate the ecosystems of the Piscataqua River and surrounding coastal waters. (open spots available Aug. 18-22). Marine Art Program: Merging science and art, students will use ROVs to observe marine life and spend four days with professional artists exploring various mediums—turning coastal inspiration into artwork that celebrates the beauty and challenges of the Piscatqua's marine ecosystems. (open spots available July 21- 25). Founded by a team of educators, ocean engineers and entrepreneurs, CoastX is already generating strong interest: 80% of available spots for its inaugural summer programs have already been filled by students eager to explore the ocean like never before. Students from over a dozen towns, including Rochester, Concord, Newton, Dover, Rye, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Kittery, York, and Cape Neddick, Maine are registered. 'Our goal is to get students out on the water, exploring the ecosystems of the Piscataqua River and out the Gulf of Maine with our underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). They will be led by subject matter experts in order to gain appreciation for our beautiful coastline, and an understanding of the challenges the ecosystem is facing' said Susan Hackett Johnson, CoastX co-founder, executive director and veteran experiential educator. 'Many students have never experienced a boat ride let alone a chance to work with engineers or scientists to understand what lies beneath the ocean's surface. We believe CoastX programming offers powerful learning opportunities to inspire the next generation of Seacoast stewards.' The Piscataqua River, Wood Island Life Saving Station and the M/V Utopia, a U.S Coast Guard certified 38-foot lobster boat owned and operated by Capt. Drew Cole of Portsmouth Harbor Cruises are the classrooms in which Johnson and her team will host students. Those enrolled in the Marine Art program will have the additional benefit of working with artists in these ocean-going classrooms as well as at the Kittery Art Association in the Foreside. Information: NEWINGTON – The New Hampshire Excellence in Education Awards (EDies) extends its deepest gratitude to McDonald's for its unwavering commitment as the premier sponsor of excellence in education across the state for an incredible 31 years. McDonald's partnership has played a vital role in recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements in New Hampshire's schools. This year, McDonald's generously hosted three of the four 2025 Schools of Excellence — South Londonderry Elementary School, Henry W. Moore School and Oyster River Middle School — at its Newington location, where students, educators, and community members gathered for joyful celebrations. Conant Middle High School was unable to attend the Newington celebration due to distance. McDonald's continued its tradition of presenting a $2,000 check to each winning school. This contribution directly supports school programs and initiatives that further educational excellence and student success. 'We are so grateful to McDonald's for their ongoing dedication to New Hampshire's schools,' said Collette Flanders, EDies Co-Chair. 'Their support not only uplifts our award-winning schools, but also helps inspire excellence in education across the state.' Information: This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: GBCC, Gather celebrate 3 years; CoastX offers ocean programs for kids
Time Out
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
i Light Singapore 2025 is back this May, featuring 17 light installations from 20 artists
Singapore's mega light art festival returns to brighten up the cityscape. The much-anticipated i Light Singapore is back this May and June, and it's shaping up to be its most dazzling edition yet. This year's theme, To Gather, unites 17 light art installations created by 20 local and international artists. The works will be spread across Marina Bay, South Beach, and new locations along the scenic Singapore River and bustling Raffles Place. Full details of the installations are still under wraps, but a few highlights have been teased. Bridge of 1000 Dreams will see Cavenagh Bridge transformed by 1,000 hand-painted bamboo poles, each glowing under UV light. Another notable piece, Take a walk through the meadow with me, is a floral installation by a group of Singaporean artists. It features 300 flowers crafted from recycled acrylic scraps, brought to life with pressure-sensitive lights that respond to movement. Musical notes play in the background, adding a dreamlike quality as visitors wander through the space. i Light Singapore 2025 runs from May 29 to June 21, 2025. Stay tuned to our page for the latest updates.
Winnipeg Free Press
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Stage debut
Manitoba Theatre for Young People's freshly announced 2025-26 season will begin with the curtain rising on the company's second stage, the Richardson Studio Theatre. Formerly a rehearsal and secondary programming space, the erstwhile Richardson Hall has been undergoing an extensive renovation this past year as part of the company's $9-million capital campaign. The mainstage on Forks Road will house five productions next season, with the studio theatre hosting the opening and closing runs. Artistic director Pablo Felices-Luna says the new space, with a lower seating capacity than the mainstage, opens a fresh frontier for smaller-scale productions to flourish and develop. Having known about the planned renovations for more than two years, he says he considered its inaugural performance, a snowed-in comedy called Gather, with gentleness and welcoming in mind. CHELSEY STUYT PHOTO Otosan is a semi-autobiographical production featuring wild and lifelike puppets. Written by Toronto's Julia Lederer and Julie Ritchey, Gather (Oct. 3-26) was produced during the pandemic in Ritchey's native Chicago, centring on a group of community members stuck inside as their world is enveloped by a deep freeze. A chef loses their sense of smell, a librarian their vocabulary and a letter carrier their sense of purpose. Sound familiar? Next (Nov. 1-9), is dance artist Santee Smith's The Mush Hole, produced by Toronto's Kaha:wi Dance Theatre; a returning show that was MTYP's final production before the pandemic shutdown in March 2020. Created at and inspired by the Mohawk Residential School, which was operated in Ontario by the Anglican Church until 1970, The Mush Hole owes its title to a nickname children and community members gave the institution. The third show in the slate is The Lightning Thief, a musical adaptation of Rick Riordan's YA juggernaut series about Percy Jackson. 'I have a soon-to-be 11-year-old who reads the books, and I had to be so disciplined to keep this a secret,' Felices-Luna says. 'We're telling her this weekend and she's going to lose her mind.' The storm is expected from Dec. 5 to 28. Next up (Jan. 30-Feb. 8) is the season's first locally developed production, the delightfully offbeat comedy Tad and Birdy, written by Winnipeg's Anika Dowsett. Created in MTYP's Sandbox playwright's unit, Dowsett's script follows a 'bird-voiced' tree-frog tadpole who's put in a jar and relocated to a boy's bedroom. Tad's roommate? A lovebird who knows everything but the key to happiness. 'Anika has done a beautiful job keeping the childlike simplicity alive,' says Felices-Luna, who is hoping Dowsett's play might parrot the success of this past season's run of Frog and Toad. SUPPLIED South Korean company Brush is back at MTYP this season with fan favourite Doodle Pop. Are direct flights possible between Winnipeg and Seoul? If aeronautically advisable, Felices-Luna would advocate for one, because for the third time since taking the helm of MTYP, the artistic director is bringing the endlessly innovative South Korean company Brush back to the city. Last seen in 2023-24 with Poli Pop, Brush returns with Doodle Pop (Feb. 27 -March 8), the show that first wowed Winnipeg audiences in 2022. 'I watched a kid having so much fun, bouncing, that when they sat back down, the kid missed the seat,' says Felices-Luna. He doesn't blame the young viewer. 'The show is so exciting that it's hard to sit still.' During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. From Montreal's Bouge de là dance company comes Glitch (April 10-19), which follows four intrepid explorers following their curiosities into a deserted theatre basement, where they're guided by an animate laser beam that becomes the show's fifth character. Then, to close the season, wild and lifelike puppets shake hands in Shizuka Kai's Otosan, a semi-autobiographical journey into her relationship with her father, a wildlife videographer. Eager to understand her father's work, the character Shizu climbs into his suitcase as he ventures north. SUPPLIED Doodle Pop will get kids bouncing out of their seats. The puppets, says Felices-Luna, make you 'feel as if you're breathing with them.' Produced by Vancouver's Little Onion Puppet Company and co-created by Kai, Jess Amy Shead and Randi Edmundson, Otosan runs April 24-May 17, 2026, in the Richardson Studio Theatre. The final production of MTYP's current season, the world première of Wren Brian's Billie and the Moon, runs May 2-11. Directed by Ray Strachan, the summer-camp production stars Kris Cahatol, Megan Fry, Rhea Rodych-Rasidescu and Toby Hughes. SUPPLIED The Mush Hole, inspired by Ontario's Mohawk Residential School, returns to MTYP in November. DAVID WONG PHOTO Montreal's Bouge de là dance company presents Glitch this season. Ben WaldmanReporter Ben Waldman is a National Newspaper Award-nominated reporter on the Arts & Life desk at the Free Press. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Ben completed three internships with the Free Press while earning his degree at Ryerson University's (now Toronto Metropolitan University's) School of Journalism before joining the newsroom full-time in 2019. Read more about Ben. Every piece of reporting Ben produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
The Herald Scotland
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
'Bold new chapter' as Scottish island gets first wine bar
Nestled in the heart of Rothesay with views over the marina and across to the hills of Cowal, The Sulking Room promises to be "more than just a bar". Inspired by the French word for boudoir, the bar is designed "as a glamorous, intimate haven where everyone can feel welcome and comfortable". READ MORE: Seven new restaurants and cafes opening in Glasgow this Spring A food and drink writer's favourite things to order in Glasgow this month Scottish hotel gets a £5m refurbishment - so what's it like? With an extensive wine list, specialist cocktails, Isle of Bute speciality coffee, and attentive, high-end service, The Sulking Room is billed as an ideal destination for after-work drinks, date nights, and all-out nights of celebration. The concept and design, which has been over six years in the making, has been brought to life by local entrepreneur Erin Murphy — already known for her popular food business and shop Gather Deli on the island. Ms Murphy said: 'We've been overwhelmed by the support we've had for Gather, including our recent sold-out Supper Clubs, so we're really excited to bring this latest addition to the island for everyone to enjoy.' Skye Edwards from the band Morcheeba and her family have spent the last four summers holidaying on Bute with Erin, her partner Chris and their children. S At the grand opening this past weekend, she sung with Gather's Chef Manager David Murphy who is also behind the launch of The Sulking Room. The Sulking Room wine, whisky & cocktail bar opened on Easter Weekend on the Isle of Bute.
