Latest news with #Wilhelm
The Star
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Malaysian teen with Down syndrome aims to run 84km to raise RM50,000 for charity
Alexander Wilhelm, 15, picked up running as a hobby during the pandemic and since then, the activity has become second nature to him. To date, he has completed 17 'fun runs', covering distances between 2km and 5km. Now, Alexander, who has Down syndrome, is lacing up his shoes for a greater cause. Running teaches Alexander important life lessons like perseverance. In January, he and his father, Bruno Wilhelm, launched Run Alex Run (RAR) – a fundraising initiative in support of the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation National Centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The centre holds a special meaning for the family as it was where Alexander received early intervention and support during his formative years. To encourage his fundraising efforts, Fitness First Malaysia has pledged RM10,000 to the centre if Alexander runs the equivalent of a full marathon distance of 42km by June. In the last five months, Alexander has already clocked a total of 30km, with another 12km to achieve by next month. But that's not all. Alexander aims to go beyond that and complete 84km by December, and raise RM50,000 for the foundation. Plans are underway to start a public crowdfunding campaign to help reach this target. Fostering inclusion Through RAR, Wilhelm, 52, wants to create awareness, inclusion and hope. 'We want to break the taboo around disability and show that children with Down syndrome are capable of contributing meaningfully to society. 'Traditionally, people see disability as a burden, but Alexander proves otherwise. He is fit, determined and he is running to make a difference,' said Wilhelm, a businessman, in an interview in Kuala Lumpur. Alexander also bakes breads and muffins to raise funds for different organisations. Photo: Ashley Pang Wilhelm, a Swiss national who has been living in KL for over two decades, also wants to encourage parents by showing that children with special needs are capable of reaching greater heights. 'Society often assumes that people born with disabilities can't reach the same potential as neurotypical individuals. But we hope the public will start seeing people with different abilities as part of the community, just like anyone else. 'My wife and I also want to create awareness of the importance of inclusion and early intervention programmes. Our goal is to transform our society,' says Wilhelm, who accompanies Alexander on his runs. The father of two has seen many positive transformations in Alexander since he started running. For example, his coordination and stamina have improved a lot. Wilhelm says what matters more are his son's self-esteem, and the endurance training he does for each run. 'It is not easy even for a typical youth, what more for a special needs youth like him. Running gives him a goal to achieve. Running teaches him to never give up no matter how difficult it is until one arrives at the final destination. This is a very important life lesson too. He understands this and is using it in his daily life. His motto is 'Better Every Day'. 'Alexander says running helps to keep him fit and he gets to run at different places. The music, warm-up dances, ambience and friendly runners of each race make it fun and special for him.' To build his stamina, Alex-ander trains at the gym and runs around their neighbourhood in KL. Wilhelm adds that his son works with a personal trainer to strengthen his endurance, mobility and agility. 'To keep him motivated, I take videos and pictures of him, documenting his whole race. I will then compile it into a video clip for him. He loves it very much. After each run, I'd take him for a nice breakfast. 'Tell me how not to be motivated?' he quips. Giving back This isn't the first time Alexander is doing something for charity. During the pandemic, his mother, businesswoman Ashley Pang, 49, started Project Kindness, a pay-it-forward initiative. She set up Alex's Bakery, a home-based effort where Alexander bakes breads and muffins to raise funds for different organisations, including welfare homes, children's hospice, soup kitchens and non-profit schools. Pang (top) is proud of her son's dedication to the disabled community. Photo: Ashley Pang Wilhelm said the aim of Project Kindness is to connect people for a common cause. Through this simple project,the family has been able to spread the ripples of kindness, love and hope within the community. 'We completed 38 projects from 2021 to 2024. We are very fortunate to have very kind and supportive patrons. When we were raising funds, we received good responses. When we were collecting pre-loved books and clothes for welfare homes, many dropped off boxes for us. 'We have created a network for a kinder and caring community. This is our mission,' says Wilhelm. As recognition for his contribution and positive impact to society, Alexander was given the 2024 Tuanku Bainun Young Change-makers Award under the 'individuals aged 13-18 category'. 'This recognition is very important for him and the special needs community,' Wilhelm adds. Through the Project Kindness initiative, Wilhelm hopes to inspire parents of special needs children by showing that with patience and consistency, children of all abilities can shine in their own unique way. 'Some of them become our family friends and some become our big supporters. 'Our message to them is, 'You are not alone. Let's walk together hand in hand in the journey of creating a better and kinder world'.'
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
Williamson County authorities crack down on distracted driving with safety operation
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Williamson County officers launched a safety operation to stop distracted driving as part of a state-wide safety campaign to remind drivers about Tennessee's distracted driving law. 'The goal is to educate and inform motorists [on] the dangers and hazards of distracted driving,' Greg Wilhelm, lieutenant in the Williamson County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit, said. RELATED | 'Operation Hands Free' kicks off across Tennessee Multiple law enforcement agencies in Williamson County participated and used an unmarked bus to spot distracted drivers along Interstate 65. Wilhelm told News 2 that the problem goes beyond just cell phones. During Wednesday's operation, News 2 saw one driver get pulled over for eating while driving. 'Eating while you're driving — using two hands to eat a cheeseburger — if you're putting the makeup on in the mirror while you're driving, that is distracted driving,' Wilhelm said. The only exception to Tennessee's hands-free law is if you are communicating with law enforcement during an emergency. 'We just have this nature — since the uptick in technology over the last two decades — that we have to do it right then and there,' Wilhem said. 'It's at our fingertips at any moment, so everybody feels compelled to address it right there.' Wilhelm said most people who get pulled over are understanding and apologetic. 'It can wait. That's the biggest message that I would like to push out to everybody,' Wilhelm added. JANUARY 2024: Harsher penalties for teens texting and driving now in effect in TN Last year in Williamson County, there were about three times as many crashes caused by distracted driving compared to impaired driving, according to the WCSO. 'Today's operation really is about keeping people safe. It's not about tickets,' WCSO public information officer Becky Coyle said. 'Nobody's keeping a tally of how many people we can ticket. … It really is about keeping our community safe.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill could provide up to $100K for improvements at Stutsman County Fairgrounds
Mar. 15—JAMESTOWN — A bill in the North Dakota Legislature could provide up to $100,000 for improvements at the Stutsman County Fairgrounds. The Stutsman County Fairgrounds' facilities are aging and there are challenges in maintaining and improving the infrastructure to meet the needs of the community, wrote Rod Wilhelm, Stutsman County Fair Board member, in his testimony supporting House Bill 1591 that would create a grant program for county agriculture fair associations. He wrote that some of the most important needs at the Stutsman County Fairgrounds include bathrooms that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a storm shelter, agricultural educational facility, roof repairs, concert stage, grandstand and concession updates. "A long-term goal would be a year-round arena to be used for livestock, horse, Ag Expo, and other events," Wilhelm wrote. HB 1591 — sponsored by Reps. Mitch Ostlie and Bernie Satrom and Sens. Cole Conley and Terry Wanzek, all R-Jamestown — would create a one-to-one matching grant program and appropriate $3 million to the agriculture commissioner to provide grants to county agriculture fair associations for the planning, design and construction of infrastructure projects from July 1 (2025???) to June 30, 2027. No more than $100,000 can be awarded to a county agriculture fair association. A grant recipient would be required to provide local matching dollars from nonstate sources for every dollar provided by the agriculture commissioner through the program. The grant program would be funded one time and ends on June 30, 2027. HB 1591 passed the House on a 74-16 vote. The bill is now in the Senate. Ostlie said he noticed that the Stutsman County Fair Association might have some projects dealing with infrastructure needs. "Then as I was doing some research around the state, many other fair associations were in a similar boat. So I thought this would be a good opportunity to get all entities involved," he said. Ostlie said there are approximately 32 county agriculture fair associations in the state. "That's where we come up with those dollars for approximately up to $100,000 and then a $3 million overall maximum budget item," he said. He said the Office of the Agriculture Commissioner would develop the criteria for the application process for the grant program. He also said the North Dakota State Fair would not be eligible for the funds because it has its own budget under the agriculture commissioner's budget. Ostlie said he worked with the Office of the Agriculture Commissioner to come up with an appropriation for the bill. He said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring is on board with HB 1591 as well as many appropriators on the front end. "I have received very little, if any, opposition to the intent of this grant program," he said. "The main issue really ... is coming down to money, how much assistance people think that we should give." Wilhelm wrote that agriculture plays an essential role for the Stutsman County Fair, which showcases the state's agricultural diversity. "From livestock competitions to crop displays and 4-H achievements, the Stutsman County Fair directly connects our community to the vital work happening on farms and ranches across our region," Wilhelm wrote. "The improvements made through this grant would not only ensure the fair continues to thrive but would also allow us to better support future generations of agricultural leaders and innovators." He wrote that the Stutsman County Fair has an attendance of about 20,000. "This event celebrates our agricultural history by bringing thousands of families together through 4-H, FFA (Future Farmers of America), Rodeo, show casing their livestock, horses, rabbits, chickens, art, flowers and baked goods," Wilhelm wrote. "The attendees and exhibitors support local businesses from gas stations, to restaurants, hotels, and retail shops." The economic impact of the Stutsman County Fair is $3.25 million if each attendee spent $130, said Emily Bivens, executive director of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce and Jamestown Tourism, in an email to Wilhelm. She said the economic impact is based on a 2023 study by North Dakota Tourism that says per-visitor spending was reported as $98 per day for each visitor and $203 per day for each overnight visitor for an average of $130 per day for each visitor. Ostlie said HB 1591 could potentially have an economic impact of $200,000 for each county with the dollar-for-dollar match. "It certainly doesn't address all of the infrastructure needs, but it's a nice little shot in the arm potentially," he said. Bivens wrote in her testimony supporting HB 1591 that a maximum grant of $100,000 for each county fair association would have a direct impact by improving fairgrounds, enhancing visitor experiences and supporting local economies. "Investing in county fair infrastructure is an investment in North Dakota's future. We respectfully urge this committee to give House Bill 1591 a 'DO PASS' recommendation and support our state's agricultural fairs as they continue to grow, educate, and bring communities together," she wrote. Stutsman County Commissioner Amanda Hastings wrote in her testimony supporting the bill that the passage of HB 1591 in the House is a crucial step toward strengthening local fairs. Hastings also wrote that she has concerns regarding a revision requiring a dollar-for-dollar matching fund requirement. "While I understand the importance of ensuring that grant recipients have a vested interest in these projects, a strict one-to-one match could inadvertently limit the ability of smaller county fairs to fully benefit from the program," she wrote. "Many smaller fairs operate on tight budgets with limited fundraising capabilities, making it difficult to meet such a high matching threshold. As a result, this well-intended grant program may become inaccessible to the very communities that need it the most." She also wrote that the Legislature should consider a tiered or reduced matching requirement that allows for flexibility on the size and financial capacity of each county fair association. "This would ensure that all county fairs, regardless of their financial standing, can access funding to improve facilities, enhance programming, and continue serving their communities," she wrote.
NBC News
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
This cornhole league inspired a bounty hunt for single men. It's now sold out.
Bowen says the men she speaks to perceive a lot more pressure around dating events, whereas women see it as more of an opportunity to build community. Women take the risk thinking they could make new friends or have a fun time even if they don't find a relationship in the end, Bowen said. Bowen encourages her clients to see the events as a tool to try new things and work out their social muscles. 'You know, practice makes almost perfect, is what I like to say,' Bowen said. 'And I think that's what comes with dating and meeting people in real life. ... You just have to go up and do it, and it's gonna get easier the more you do it. And I think that's what these dating events are helping daters do.' Everardo Montoya, 31, learned about the cornhole league from his friend Katie, who saw Flaim's TikTok call for men and encouraged him to go. Sick of the dating apps and struggling to meet people organically, he said he decided to step out of his comfort zone. A bit of an introvert when meeting new people, Montoya said he's hesitant to approach other people because he doesn't want to feel like he's bothering anyone. But he found Tuesday's event fun and low-pressure. 'It's definitely less intimidating, for sure, because you know that everyone here is trying to find their person, right?' Montoya said. 'So it's like, even if you get rejected, it's just like, it's fine.' Joe Wilhelm, 31, was actually looking to join a sports league and happened to start getting ads for the cornhole league on Instagram. Dating can be pretty horrible, he said, but even as a more personable type of guy, he wasn't sure about a speed-dating league. 'Maybe girls are a little more emotionally open to events like this — for a guy, not so much,' Wilhelm said. 'I mean, even for myself, I could talk to a wall, very social, but I had one of my friends kick me in the ass to tell me to come here.' He guessed that maybe men could be 'a little hardheaded' about stepping out of their comfort zone. But once there, Wilhelm said most of his interactions felt easy and organic. 'I feel like everyone here that I met knows how to socialize … but I feel like today's generation is far from it,' Wilhelm said. 'Everything's behind a screen, and that's how they communicate. So I like how we're bringing back the history of dating and meeting people organically.'
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Business community comes together at Othello Chamber auction
Mar. 5—OTHELLO — The parish hall at Sacred Heart Catholic Church was transformed Friday night as the Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce held its annual fundraiser banquet and auction. "This is our one and only fundraiser that we have for the year," said Chamber Manager Jackie Wilhelm. "The money that we raise goes back into the community." The event drew about 150 people, Wilhelm said. Besides a silent auction and a live auction conducted by Jake Barth of Chuck Yarbro Auctioneers, the evening featured dinner catered by Top Gun Concessions, desserts by the Othello Community Hospital, coffee from Conversatio Coffee Roaster and wine from RM Wineries. Silent auction items were arranged on tables in side rooms for attendees to look over and — maybe — bid on. "There's an Easter basket I'm positive I can't afford, but look how beautiful it is," said Emily Anderson. Jackie Wilson was looking over the items as well with an eye to sniping, or making a last-minute bid, on something she wanted. "I haven't signed up for anything yet because I like to wait to see what everybody bids first, and then go from there," she said. Besides the dinner and auction, the chamber also announced some awards at the banquet, honoring members of the Othello community who went above and beyond in 2024. The Business of the Year award, voted on by the community at large, was Brian Gentry Re/Max Real Estate. "When we're selecting business of the month, we make sure their employees are volunteering around the community," Wilhelm said. "We want to see that they're partnering. We want to see that they're giving back to the community in one way or another." The honorees for individual awards were introduced via a video. "Tonight, we come together to celebrate the heart of our community, the people who make it thrive," Wilhelm said in the video. "From business leaders to community champions, these people are shaping our future." The award for K-6 Educator of the Year went to Lena Jenson. "She is strong, stubborn, caring and a loyal friend," said Melissa Martinez, who teaches with Jenson at Hiawatha Elementary School. "But Lena is also that way as a teacher and a community member. Lena has impacted hundreds and hundreds of students in her 20-plus years as a teacher; she builds great and lasting relationships with them by supporting them academically and personally. She attends games, encourages them to come to school events and provides them with extra help when needed in the community." "Mrs. Jenson was my fourth grade teacher," said Sebastian Serrano. "I used to be a shy, hesitant boy in the classroom, but because of her love and passion towards me and her unwavering dedication, I pursued a lot of leadership positions I never expected to have." Othello High School teacher Bailey Wilson was honored as the 7-12 Educator of the Year. "She has taken over school dances," said OHS teacher Vanessa Billman. "Homecoming dances are fantastic. She's great with fundraising and working with the kids and coming up with ideas. And then on top of that, she's also an AVID teacher ... Her ability to get you to say yes is always one of the things where I think I probably have the most respect for because if it was somebody else, I'd be like, 'Yeah, no,' but for Bailey, I will always say yes." The Chamber's Woman of the Year was Sharon Schutte. "I've known Sharon for over 60 years," said Deena Vietzke. "She and I used to play in the alley between Spruce and Juniper when I would go to visit my grandma. I nominated Sharon Schutte as Woman of the Year for 2024 because she loves Othello as much as I do. She's been very involved in the community and has done wonderful things through the school district, Little League and many other places in our community." The Man of the Year was Sharon's brother-in-law, Othello High School Wrestling Coach Wayne Schutte. "I've known Wayne for about 40 years of my 53 years here in Othello," OSD Superintendent Pete Perez said. "A particular impact I'd like to share about Wayne in my own life personally is what he taught me about being a teacher, what he taught me about discipline and what he taught me about being a father and a role model. And I can't think of a greater model in our community to pattern my life after." "One thing that I love about him is he's such a class act in the way he does things," OHS Wrestling Coach Rudy Ochoa Jr. said. "He demands perfection, and in everything that he does he leaves an impact that makes you want to be like him." The final award was for Civil Servant of the Year, and that went to Sgt. Tomas Solano of the Adams County Sheriff's Office. "Within two years of his hiring, he became a sergeant with the Sheriff's Office, and since then he's done nothing but amazing things," said Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner. "(He's a) very good leader. Shows the qualities of a hero, in my opinion, ... He's the winner of a Valor Award for the Sheriff's Office. He earned that through obvious acts of valor and lifesaving as well in the same act a couple of years ago. I can't say enough about Tomas Solano." No estimate of the amount raised at the auction was available Monday. The auction funds many events in Othello, especially the Fourth of July celebration, which the chamber paid about $7,000 last year to put on. The Chamber also hosts a back-to-school movie night and a fall festival. "I want to thank the Othello community and its members for coming out to support the banquet," Wilhelm said. "We look forward to hosting them every year, and we rely on their support, and the best way that they can support us is by showing up to our banquet every year."
