Latest news with #JenniferDavis
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Peoria library's summer reading program: Fun and prizes await
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)–Peoria Public Library summer reading program starts by picking up a bingo card and ends with a couple parties in traditionally quiet places. Elise Hearn, Manager of Programming at Peoria Public Library, and Jennifer Davis, Manager of Public Relations stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk more about the program. The theme of the annual program is 'Level Up,' a nod to gaming. People can jump in the game at any time by picking up a 'bingo card' at any Peoria Public Library. Once complete, that card becomes a ticket to the parties. Davis said there are many ways to fill a spot on the bingo card and there are engaging options for people of all ages as well as families. 'We actually have two parties this year. We'll be at the Riverfront Museum on Wednesday July 16. We'll take over the entire museum that evening,' Hearn said. The museum party is for families. The party on July 18, is at the Main Library, and for adults only. That one includes live music, and a D-J and prizes. Some of the prizes people are eligible to win upon completion of the program include a Nintendo Switch, a virtual reality headset, gift cards and more. People can also attend either party for $5 if they don't have a bingo card. The Summer Reading Program started June 2 and runs through July 15. Get all the details about the Peoria Public Library Summer Reading Program on their web site. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Redwater man receives Community Leadership Excellence Award
TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)—Texas A&M University-Texarkana's School of Professional Education and Community Engagement (PECE) named Donnie Spriggs the Spring 2025 recipient of the PECE Community Leadership Excellence Award. The award is given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding community leadership through commitment to service, collaboration, and mentorship. Sabine Parish tourism legend wins Louisiana Rural Tourism Legacy Award Donnie is a Redwater native who graduated from TAMUT in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Leadership. He is currently the Director of Food & Beverage at Lost Pizza in Texarkana. 'With over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Donnie is well-known for his energetic leadership, positive workplace culture, and passion for developing the next generation of workers,' a press release stated. Donnie is also heavily involved in the community. He organized donation drives to collect supplies for Hurricane Helene victims. 'Donnie represents everything we hope to see in a leader—dedication to people, resilience through challenges, and a commitment to serving others,' said Dr. Jennifer Davis, Director of Community Engagement. 'He's not only a proud alumnus but a proud example of what community-focused leadership looks like.' Bossier student overcomes spinal injuries to graduate The award is presented each semester at TAMUT to recognize those who carry out PECE's mission of elevating careers and empowering communities through leadership and service. 'I've never set out to win awards,' said Spriggs. 'I've just tried to show up, do the right thing, and take care of the community that's taken care of me. This recognition is a reflection of the people around me who have believed in the power of giving back and working together. I'm honored and grateful to be a part of something bigger than myself.' To learn more about the PECE Community Leadership Excellence Award, go to or contact Dr. Jennifer Davis at jdavis@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


BBC News
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Hampstead Theatre scheme helps people in 'loneliest borough'
A new project is attempting to tackle isolation in what has been described as "London's loneliest borough".Hampstead Theatre in Camden has launched a programme for adults at risk of social isolation, offering writing and performance sessions or tickets to see a show at the 84, is one of those who is taking part in the scheme. He is now a budding playwright."This community experience is unbelievable," he said. "To be honest, I didn't know that I had it in me. I've started writing since then. I'm on my third play." Actor Jennifer Davis, theatre and participation director for Hampstead Theatre, runs the course. She said she was inspired to launch it after reading Camden's State of the Borough Report in to the document, more than a third of adults in Camden said they felt lonely some of the time, often or always. At 36.3%, the figure was the highest of all the London boroughs."I couldn't quite believe it. Camden is such a busy, bustling part of the capital and I couldn't understand why," Ms David said."I thought the theatre needed to do something about it."There's lots of brilliant theatres doing this kind of work, and for me, theatre has always offered a community, a home, and I wanted to open up Hampstead to the Camden community."She added: "Whether you're on the stage, whether you're writing a play or performing in it, or watching it, it is a communal experience."It's where conversations can be sparked and bonds are built - I just thought we were the perfect place to be doing this kind of work."Ms Davis said the theatre had worked on the project with Age UK Camden, Wac Arts and the Winch - local charities that support people in the borough."Theatre is such a brilliant way of sharing, exploring your identity, meeting new people and building bonds," she added. 'More lonely society' Professor Jason Arday, who has a Radio 4 programme called A Lonely Life, said loneliness was "becoming part of the general zeitgeist"."We are living in a more lonely society for lots of different reasons," he said. "Division plays a big part of that, the turbulence and the stresses of life, I think people are finding it harder."Professor Arday said small interventions, such as the project by Hampstead Theatre, were "hugely impactful"."Importantly, it does set a premise for best practice, in terms of what other communities can engage in across the nation," he said."You probably couldn't think of many better instruments than the arts."
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Peoria Library's Easter egg hunt back with more eggs this year
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Last year, the Peoria Public Library crew hid 6,000 eggs, and it took two minutes for the happy hunters to find them. This year, there are even more eggs up for finds at the Lincoln Branch, April 19. Jennifer Davis, a library spokeswoman, told WMBD This Morning that she timed the Easter egg hunt last year, 'it was two minutes,' so this year, they're hiding more eggs, but her advice is still 'it starts promptly at 2:30, you don't want to be late.' Davis also talked of other Earth Month activities at all branches, such as the April 22 Earth Day celebration at the McClure Branch, and a seed planting at the Main Library on April 23. Davis also invited the community to take part in the Community Survey on their website through the end of April. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.