Latest news with #Parks&Recreation
Epoch Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
‘Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey': Watch It Today
PG-13 | 1h 15m | War, Faith, Documentary | 2025 Today, Memorial Day, I recommend watching the new documentary, 'Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey.' Actor Chris Pratt has played many Navy SEAL characters during his career, following his stint on 'Parks & Recreation,' as well as the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' franchise. Most notable among these is the character of ex-SEAL James Reece in the TV series 'The Terminal List'). Pratt has executive produced this fine documentary for Paulist Productions. It's about the military chaplains who wear the uniform but don't bear arms into battle. Nothing sums up a military chaplain's job better than the John Gospel: 'No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends' (John 15:13). "The March to Valley Forge," by William B. T. Trego, a painting of President Washington and his troops receiving a benediction from a military chaplain, in 'Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey.' Paulist Productions The film chronicles the journey of former military chaplain Justin Roberts. Suffering from PTSD after years tending to soldiers in battle, he learns that the remains of Father Emil Kapaun, a renowned Korean War chaplain and POW, have been discovered after 70 years. Roberts makes a pilgrimage to Father Kapaun's funeral in Kansas, with the intent to divest himself of his own pain and hopefully find renewal. Chaplain Tales 'Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey' proceeds to relate stories of other chaplains, both men and women, from all faiths, who currently serve, as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Related Stories 3/28/2025 4/11/2025 As mentioned, combat chaplains are not there to kill the enemy and therefore bear no arms. Among the many talking head interviews, one interviewee in the film states, 'You have to be fearless to do that.' It's a calling, not a job, and a chaplain's weapon against fear is faith. They believe there is no other life choice for them, but to go into battle to help soldiers carry their heavy load, ease their pain, and make clear the path that will lead the fallen back to the Almighty, regardless of which faith. U.S. military veterans marching in a parade, in 'Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey.' Paulist Productions Father Struecker In 1993, Jeff Struecker served as a U.S. Army Major in the infamous Somalian 'Battle of Mogadishu,' recounted in the movie 'Black Hawk Down.' Struecker was in charge of a three-vehicle convoy tasked with the mission to rescue a stranded and wounded Army Ranger, under heavy fire. Struecker says, of the experience, 'I remembered what my faith really means. It means I can go home to my family in Georgia, or I can go home to my Father in heaven. I have nothing to fear.' Upon completion of his service, Struecker went to seminary, and then returned to the military as a chaplain in what American fighting forces call 'The Sandbox': Iraq and Afghanistan. He now sees his mission as helping soldiers prepare for battle and also to prepare for heaven, should their paths lead to the beyond. Promotional poster for "Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey." Paulist Productions The Four Chaplains The most powerful story is about a group of World War II chaplains, known as The Four Chaplains. Similar to the final hours of the Titanic tragedy, they ministered to soldiers aboard the torpedoed and rapidly sinking transport ship, the Dorchester. These four surpassingly heroic men—two Protestant ministers, a Catholic priest, and a Jewish rabbi—helped soldiers board lifeboats, gave their own life jackets away, laid down their lives for their fellow men, and stoically went down with the ship. Four medals were designed for them posthumously. The Takeaway The world is currently awash in selfishness. Where does the resolve, the incredible generosity, and the absolute selflessness come from, to do something like the Four Chaplains did? One of the battles combat chaplains continually face is ministering to U.S. military personnel considering suicide. Suicide rates are up globally. It's a faith pandemic. The world needs military chaplains more than ever. Today, we're lucky to be able to honor this Memorial Day by watching those heroic U.S. military combat chaplains. 'Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey' was released in theaters Nov. 8, 2024. You can watch it today with your family here: Promotional poster for "Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey." Paulist Productions 'Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey' Director: Richard Hull, Justin Roberts Documentary MPAA rating: PG-13 Running Time: 1 hour, 12 minutes Re-release Date: May 23, 2025 Rating: 4 and 1/2 stars out of 5 Would you like to see other kinds of arts and culture articles? Please email us your story ideas or feedback at
Engadget
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Engadget
Peacock's The Office spin-off arrives this September
The Paper, a new spin-off of The Office set at a small Ohio newspaper, will premiere exclusively on Peacock in September, according to a post from the streaming service's X account. Considering NBCUniversal's streaming service has mostly existed as a dedicated The Office and Parks & Recreation rewatch tool, this is a pretty big get. The new series "features the documentary crew that immortalized Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch," but this time looks at a different industry — in this case, journalism. The Paper covers "a historic Toledo newspaper, The Truth Teller, and the eager publisher that is trying to revive it," according to a press release from NBCUniversal's Upfront presentation. The Scranton documentary crew is heading to Toledo. #ThePaper arrives this September on Peacock. — Peacock (@peacock) May 12, 2025 Domhnall Gleeson (Ex Machina) and Sabrina Impacciatore (The White Lotus) star alongside Oscar Nuñez, who is reprising his role as Oscar from The Office, following a lateral career move that finds his character as the accountant for a struggling newspaper. The Paper is very explicitly described as being "from the universe of The Office," though, so it's possible the connections to the previous series don't end there. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Paper was co-created by Greg Daniels, the creator of the US version of The Office, and Michael Koman, an executive producer and writer on Nathan for You. NBCUniversal hasn't shared a specific date for when the series will premiere, beyond that it will land in September. Like most streaming services, Peacock launched with splashy prestige TV shows, but has continually struggled to find original content that keeps subscribers around beyond its back catalog of classic sitcoms and reality shows. Streaming rights to the Olympics and weird experiments like the "AI vs. a nun" drama Mrs. Davis definitely appeal to someone (me, primarily), but it hasn't produced explosive growth in Peacock's subscriber numbers. Per NBCUniversal's last earnings report, Peacock has grown from 36 million paid subscribers at the end of 2024 to 41 million in March 2025, but it's still a money-losing operation. The Paper seems like a safer bet to keep current subscribers happy and draw lapsed The Office fans back in.
Axios
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Jon Glaser brings "Soothing Meditations for the Solitary Dog" to Chicago
Comedian Jon Glaser is coming back to Chicago next week with his one-man show"Jon Glaser's Soothing Meditations For The Solitary Dog." What they're saying:"My show is very loosely based off/inspired by a comedy album I made," Glaser tells Axios. "In theory, it's supposed to be a relaxing album you can put on if you ever need to leave an anxious dog at home. But it goes off on a bunch of irritating tangents." Zoom in: Glaser built a fabulous career after leaving Chicago in the mid-'90s. He's written and performed for several late-night comedy shows and starred in shows like HBO's "Girls" and NBC's "Parks & Recreation." He also created a cult-like following for his Adult Swim show "Delocated" and his TruTV hit " Jon Glaser Loves Gear." Flashback: He got his start at Second City, where he returns for his one-man show on Thursday. In a fit of nostalgia, he recalled for us what his perfect day looked like in 1995. 🍟 Breakfast: "I lived near Belmont and Damen and often went to the sadly now closed Man-Jo-Vin's for many an inexpensive meal. I think they had breakfast, but honestly don't remember. I do remember eating a ton of fries." 🛌 Morning activity: " Whether it was after an improv class or Second City show, I was usually going out late, so my preferred morning activity was sleep. I know that doesn't sound very "Chicago," but my pillow was a slice of Lou Malnati's deep dish." 🥪 Lunch:" Village Tap in Roscoe Village. I just checked their menu, and "cajun chicken sandwich" sounds familiar. David Koechner lived nearby as well and we'd meet there often to complain about the bullshit du jour, giving the place our pet nickname of Griper's Corner." 🎧 Afternoon activity:"Listening to/buying CDs at See and Hear on North Avenue (you could listen to an album before you bought it, which was a novelty back then). I spent most of my Second City Touring Company per diem there." 🌯 Dinner:"DeColores, which I think was on Lincoln or Ashland, just south of Belmont. I ate so many burritos from that place, and I absolutely loved their salsa. A 'Google' doesn't yield any results except at Midway Airport." "I have no idea if it's the same place or same ownership, but the reviews are generally unforgiving, so let's say there's no way so as not to ruin the sentimentality of my trip down memory lane." 🎭 Evening activity:"My day was beginning as most people's ended, with eight shows over six nights a week in the Second City mainstage show 'Piñata Full Of Bees' or before that, classes and weekend nights at Improv Olympic." 🍺 After party: "There's no other place I'd rather end any kind of best day ever than The Old Town Ale House. It was a tremendously fun time, filled with pals, beer and music." "On one particularly memorable evening, Koechner unironically told some loudmouth douchebag to'Take it easy, hotshot' which has become an oft repeated phrase uttered between myself and improv pal Kevin Dorff, and hopefully will end up being one of our death beds Rosebud."
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Earth Day Festival returns to Great Bear
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — An event asking people to 'Unite for Earth' will take place Friday at Great Bear Recreation Park in Sioux Falls. The hillside is starting to turn green as the last of the snow melts at Great Bear Ski Valley, where Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation is set to host its annual Earth Day Festival. 'It's a great opportunity for everyone in the community to come out and celebrate Earth Day with us,' Recreation Program Coordinator Eric Saathoff said. Demolition of Hills, MN school uncovers century-old surprise Eric Saathoff is a recreation program coordinator and says the 90-minute event is designed for the entire family. 'We're going to have great open space there along the chalet to have different activities as well as our trucks from within Parks & Recreation out there for kids and families to explore,' Saathoff said. But it's not all fun and games. 'We also have vendors that will be on site so you can learn about sustainability and different opportunities throughout the community to help continue to support Earth,' Saathoff said. The Earth Day Festival is also an opportunity for Great Bear Recreation Park to show off everything it has to offer. 'Scavenger hunt for individuals to do so they can wander through all the great trails out at Great Bear,' Saathoff said. 'An event like this is a great opportunity to bring new people out and make them aware of a beautiful, scenic park that is so close to downtown that you can do a quick escape, go hike in the trails in the trees and you really feel like you are transported to a different place,' Great Bear Director of Communications Alexa Jerstad said. Alexa Jerstad is the director of communications at Great Bear and says come out and appreciate the outdoors. 'Some family activities, we're going to have the bar open, enjoy a glass of wine or beer on the deck and just get outside,' Jerstad said. 'The more the community can get involved in promoting the well being of not only our community but the Earth, we see that as a value to this community,' Saathoff said. The Earth Day Festival begins at 6:00 Friday evening at Great Bear Recreation Park. The event is free and registration is not required. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mountain City proposes fees for events like Sunflower Festival and use of ball parks
MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Town of Mountain City is proposing fees for events that block off the streets, food trucks and use of ball fields to help pay for the upkeep of parks. Since the Sunflower Festival started in 2004, the Town of Mountain City has not charged a fee for having the event. With the proposed rates, there would be a $200/hour fee charged for closing off the street for the festival. Sunflower Festival Co-organizer Renee Proffitt said the festival committee is not opposed to helping the community with fees if it's for Parks & Recreation, but the timing is too soon. 'Our festival is less than three months away and here you're proposing that you put on this fee on top of it,' Proffitt said. 'We have no time to collect back from our vendors to pass that along to them because we've already collected.' Vendors for the Sunflower Festival have already submitted their fees to be set up at the event. With Mountain City's proposed rates, food trucks will also have to pay $50 for an event or pay $250 for a year permit. 'I've had concerns from the brick and mortar shops that has delis and restaurants and they're upset that they have to pay property taxes on their brick and mortar building, and the food trucks get to come in all scot-free, they don't have to pay a fee,' Jerry Jordan, Mountain City Mayor, said. Jordan said the Town provides police labor and trash pick up for events that block off the street, like the Sunflower Festival. 'We have to use extra labor, whether it be the police department or the street public works, we want to try and recoup some of that money,' Jordan said. Jordan also said he's had people ask what the money from the Sunflower Festival goes towards. 'I mean evidently as big as it's been getting, there's been a lot of money come in and people ask me 'where does this money go? Does it go towards scholarships?' But we've never seen a financial statement showing this is how much it costs and this was our expenses, and this is for the next festival, or [payment] for amenities,' Jordan said. Proffitt said the Sunflower Festival funds go towards the festival itself, like paying entertainers, or to the community and helping festival volunteers. 'The Positive Thinkers [organization], they help us and we give back to them so they can give Christmas for kids, presents for them,' Proffitt said. 'Then we give back to the volleyball team so they can purchase whatever equipment they might need or anything. Help girls go to camp for the volleyball team. That's what we try to do is to give back.' 'We just today just went and bought about $500 worth of Easter stuff for the community to give out to have for their Easter egg hunt,' Proffitt said. 'That's what we try to give back to the community, and we don't take nothing home.' The proposed fees would also affect those wanting to use the town-owned baseball fields. News Channel 11 reached out to the Johnson County Little League Baseball President, Josh Allen, about the proposed fees. He said the Town has not contacted him about proposed fees yet, but he plans to have a representative at the next Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. 'I would hope they would not put a fee on the little league kids,' Allen said. 'We have paid for all the work on the fields. We put over $6,000 in our little league baseball field just this past year.' 'We only charge $45 a kid, which is half of what surrounding counties charge just to keep it a respectable amount,' Allen said. 'Little league is obviously a nonprofit organization, we are blessed with great sponsors. There is not a whole lot for the youth in this county. Little league and sports in general are a lot of these kids' saving grace.' Allen said they will seek a waiver if they must. 'The little league, they pay for the lights at the Cunningham Park and they keep the fields; they do all the maintenance and all that,' Mayor Jordan said. 'So it's reasonable, understandable to waive those fees for what they do.' Mayor Jordan encourages any event organizer to talk to the Town about waivers or lowering the proposed fees. 'If we're wavered this year and then lowered for next year, then we can plan for it and hopefully we can all work something out with that,' Proffitt said. Proffitt said if the fees are approved, then they might have to raise their vendor fees next year. Sunflower Festival organizers have also started a petition to get support for not having the proposed fees this year. Mayor Jordan said the Town is not trying to impose any hardships on the Sunflower Festival as they bring in a lot of people and are great for tourism. He said these proposed fees are not set in stone yet. The proposed fees are included in the Town of Mountain City's budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. The fees would start on July 1. Jordan said there might be a discussion at the May 6 BMA meeting but not a vote on the budget. He said the first reading about the budget will take place on June 3rd. The Sunflower Festival is set to take place on Saturday, July 12, from 9-5 pm on West Main Street in Mountain City. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
