Latest news with #RecognitionAward
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
North Carolina brewing company mourns the passing of it's founder
ASHVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Oscar P. Wong, the founder of North Carolina staple Highland Brewing, has passed away. Wong passed away after a multi-year long battle with Cancer. Wong founded Highland Brewing in the basement of a pizza shop in downtown Ashville. Highland has grown into one of the largest brewing companies in the Southeast and have now been making beer for over 27 years. During his life, Wong turned a post-retirement hobby into a pioneering brewery that helped shape the industry. He is also was a recipient of US Small Business Administration's Person of the Year, the Brewers Association's Recognition Award, and was a member of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. For more information on Highland Brewing and it's founder, visit the Highland Brewing website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Highland Brewing founder, Asheville craft beer pioneer, Oscar Wong, dead at 84
ASHEVILLE - Oscar Wong, a beloved father, friend and community member who became known as the "Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer" as the founder of the city's first brewery, Highland Brewing, has died. On May 25, Oscar Wong died peacefully at his home with Anna Wong, his wife of 57 years, and one of his daughters, Leah Wong Ashburn, by his side, according to a news release from Highland Brewing. He was 84. Nearly three years ago, Wong was diagnosed with cancer and given a prognosis of six months to a year to live. Wong was described as a person who valued the "quality of life and spent his remaining time fully immersed in the love of his family and those he cherished deeply." He was attributed to saying, 'Personal relationships are the currency of life.' Wong often "expressed deep gratitude for an enriched life that exceeded his wildest imagination," the news release stated. "From sipping scotch with friends every Friday to playing handball at 84, Oscar lived fully and always encouraged those around him to do the same," the news release stated. Wong's death comes after what was officially recognized as Oscar Wong Day on May 16, commemorating the founding of Highland Brewing and Wong's contributions to setting the foundation for Asheville to become known as a "Beer City." In 1994, Wong launched Highland Brewing in the basement of Barley's Taproom at 42 Biltmore Ave. downtown. Wong, the son of Chinese immigrants in Jamaica, attended Notre Dame and went on to lead a long and successful career as an engineer. Upon retirement, Wong made a home in Asheville, where he discovered a new interest: craft beer. Wong became an entrepreneur, mentor, active society member, and performed community service at ARC, Rotary and UNC Asheville. In 2023, he was presented by the governor with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest civilian award. Other accolades earned over the decades include the U.S. Small Business Administration's Person of the Year for North Carolina and the Brewers Association's Recognition Award for 'individuals whose inspiration, enthusiasm, and support have contributed to the craft brewing movement.' Last year, Wong celebrated Highland Brewing's 30th anniversary. "My vision was that it would be one or two breweries in town, and I'd be one of those and have my personal watering hole and it'd be small," Wong told the Citizen Times in 2024. Highland Brewing will host a celebration of life for Wong at Noon on June 29. This is a developing story. Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@ or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram/Bluesky. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Oscar Wong, Highland Brewing founder, local beer pioneer, dead at 84
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'We want to lift women up.' Women's Impact to honor 5 for contributions in Stark County
More often than not, women who contribute to the betterment of their communities are unsung heroes. A local nonprofit is working to change that. Women's Impact will host the 2025 Women's Impact Awards at 9:30 a.m. May 3 at the Prestwick Country Club at 375 Glen Eagles Blvd. in Green. The goal of Women's Impact is to "help women unleash their power and realize their potential," Executive Director Stephanie Cargill said. "This year, we had 23 nominations for the awards," she said. "Oftentimes, you know, recognition is given kind of a bad rap. For someone to be recognized, it's almost as if, 'Well, why would you be recognized for what you're doing?' But in our case, we want to lift women up, recognize them for what they do and help them inspire others to do good work in the community as well." The awards brunch will recognize five professionals for their work for the advancement of women in the workplace and in the community. They are: Legacy Award honoree Kay Reynolds Flood, formerly of Plain Township, is a retired educator and community leader who has been an advocate and mentor for more than 50 years. She is being recognized for her years of dedication to the advancement of women in the workplace and for her continued commitment to accompanying women on their career and life journeys. In addition to her career, which spanned education, literacy and career services for women, Flood has volunteered and served with the Aultman Women's Board, JRC and Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. For nearly 40 years, she has coordinated the Stark County Help Guide, which offers information about wraparound and social services for the underserved. "I didn't expect to get (an award). It's very nice," Flood said. "A number of years ago, I decided I would focus on women and girls. I had a lot of good mentors, including teachers, Girl Scout leaders and nuns." Flood said she also was inspired by her parents, who volunteered in her native Zanesville. "They gave me a good example of giving back," she said. Connection Award honoree Sue Grabowski of Lake Township has made a career out of empowering others and fostering collaboration. She is the CEO of Desidara, a marketing firm that serves regional, national and international clients, and serves on the boards of Malone University, Cleveland Chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and ArtsinStark. Recognition Award honoree Shelley Schweitzer is executive director emerita of Women's Impact. As a professional youth worker for the Union for Reform Judaism, she taught and mentored thousands of high school-age students. Schweitzer, a resident of North Canton, has been inducted into the YWCA Women's Hall of Fame, named Ad Person of the Year, and Leadership Stark County Alumni of the Year. "While I know there are many deserving of this award, I have learned from Women's Impact to say 'thank you' when another thinks you are deserving of their praise," Schweitzer said. "I am honored to have been nominated and selected by a group of women from whom I have learned so much, who have become my mentors and friends, and who allow me to be a part of their personal and professional journeys as well." Rising Star honoree Miracle Walker of Canton works as teacher in Cleveland. She's also a professional, and community advocate committed to empowering young people through education, mentorship, and visual storytelling. With a background in digital media production and more than three years of experience working with middle school students in urban settings, she works at fostering growth, resilience and leadership among the next generation. Education Award honoree Kathy Yaros is an accomplished professional with a strong background in community engagement, education and nonprofit leadership. As a family support specialist in North Canton City Schools through the Stark County Educational Service Center, she works with students, parents and school personnel to address non-academic barriers to student success, playing a crucial role in connecting families and students to essential resources and fostering a positive school environment. Cargill said she's been encouraged and mentored by a number of women, including Paula Mastroianni, who invited her to join the nonprofit, and Schweitzer, who retired as executive director last year. Schweitzer said Women's Impact offers diversity, enrichment and a safe space for women to be their authentic selves while building relationships that lead to personal and professional growth. "I think a key to the organization's success is the shared understanding that we all benefit when one of us rises, and that the converse is also true if one of us is held down," she said. "I have never experienced a professional organization where there is so little competition and drama. Truly the women in the organization are there because they want to share their gifts to give others a hand up while accepting the gifts that those same people give to them." Tickets to the awards event are $55. To purchase or for more information, visit Reach Charita at Past Women's Impact Honorees Here's a look at women who were honored by Women's Impact over the years: 2017: Kay Feagles, Merle Griff, Taryn Heath, Sue Ramsey and The Women's Fund Endowment of Stark Community Foundation 2018: Barbara Hammontree Bennett, Girls on the Run East Central Ohio, Maria Heege and Judith E. Barnes Lancaster 2019: Andrea Capuano, Michelle Cordova, Rebeca Crowl, Luke Durudogan, Helen Garofalo and Kari Groh 2020: Domestic Violence Project Inc., Shannon English Hexamer, DeLores Pressley, Mary Regula, Joyce Rodek and Dina Rooney 2022: CSE Federal Credit Union, Margaret DeLillo-Story, Elizabeth K. Hand, Barb Minney Schweier and Denise A. Seachrist 2023: Kahiniwalla, Summer Montabone, Gloria Pope and the Women's Board of Aultman Hospital 2024: Lynne Dragomier, Serena Draper Hendershot, Paula Mastroianni, Laurie Moline and Lisa Waite This article originally appeared on The Repository: Women's Impact honoring 5 women for contributions in Stark County
Express Tribune
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Hania Aamir honoured in UK Parliament for her contribution to Pakistani entertainment
Listen to article Pakistan's leading actress Hania Aamir has been honoured with a Recognition Award at the UK Parliament, in celebration of her contributions to the entertainment industry and her growing influence on global audiences. The award ceremony was hosted by British Member of Parliament Afzal Khan in the Jubilee Room of the House of Commons on Monday. Hania Aamir addressed the gathering with heartfelt thanks. 'It is an absolute honour to be here and it means a lot to me,' she said. 'I hope we continue to entertain people through our work and make Pakistan proud.' Hania Aamir also expressed solidarity with her peers, noting the strength of the Pakistani community and her hope that they 'continue to stand by and support each other, in whichever way we can.' She went on to thank women in the entertainment industry who paved the way for the next generation. 'I will do everything in my capacity to make it easier for others to come,' she added. Hania Aamir has become one of Pakistan's most prominent female stars in recent years, gaining significant popularity at home and abroad. Reports also suggest Hania is set to make her Indian film debut in Sardaar Ji 3, a Punjabi-language film starring Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa. Earlier, Senior Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari was honoured with the prestigious Award of Recognition at a ceremony in the UK Parliament for her contributions to the entertainment industry and her social advocacy. Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa were also honoured by the UK Parliament for their contributions to Pakistan's entertainment industry.
