Latest news with #andRecreation
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyagae remembered for his impactful storytelling and unrivalled talent
The South African entertainment industry is in mourning following the untimely passing of acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyagae, who died at the age of 40 from natural causes related to breathing problems. As tributes flood in from across the country, fans and colleagues alike remember the beloved actor for Chweneyagae's memorable performances that left a lasting mark on screens and stages alike. The actor, affectionately known as 'Cobrizi wa le Easy', rose to fame through his unforgettable roles, notably in the popular telenovela The River and his Academy Award-winning performance in the 2005 film Tsotsi . His ability to portray richly nuanced characters endeared him to audiences, making him one of the finest actors to ever grace South African screens. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, shared a poignant tribute, highlighting the inspiring journey of Chweneyagae from humble beginnings to becoming a symbol of hope for youth aspiring towards careers in the arts. 'Presley was proof that where you start in life doesn't have to be where you finish. He was a living reminder that dreams from kasi streets are just as valid as dreams from polished boardrooms,' McKenzie stated. He further acknowledged the profound impact Chweneyagae made during his time, underscoring the storytelling ability that resonated with the soul of the nation. 'The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture mourns the loss of a true trailblazer – a storyteller who held the soul of a nation in his craft. We salute his contribution and commit to ensuring his impact is never forgotten,' McKenzie added while extending condolences to Chweneyagae's family and friends. The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (SACR) of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Honourable Disebo Tlebere, voiced her grief, stating, 'Our winter has just become colder. The news of Presley Chweneyagae's passing has come as a profound shock, as we had hoped to witness his brilliance for many more years,' Tlebere said. Actress Terry Pheto, who shared an unforgettable moment in Oscar glory with Chweneyagae, voiced her devastation on social media, stating, 'I am shocked and saddened by the news of Presley's sudden passing. My heart goes out to his family and the rest of our friends and colleagues in the film industry.' In remembrance of Chweneyagae's legacy, memorial services are scheduled to take place on June 3 in Mahikeng and June 5 in Gauteng, with his final resting place set for June 7 in Pretoria. [email protected] Saturday Star
IOL News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyagae remembered for his impactful storytelling and unrivalled talent
The beloved South African actor Presley Chweneyagae has passed away at 40, leaving behind a legacy etched in the hearts of fans and colleagues. The beloved South African actor Presley Chweneyagae has passed away at 40, leaving behind a legacy etched in the hearts of fans and colleagues. The South African entertainment industry is in mourning following the untimely passing of acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyagae, who died at the age of 40 from natural causes related to breathing problems. As tributes flood in from across the country, fans and colleagues alike remember the beloved actor for Chweneyagae's memorable performances that left a lasting mark on screens and stages alike. The actor, affectionately known as 'Cobrizi wa le Easy', rose to fame through his unforgettable roles, notably in the popular telenovela The River and his Academy Award-winning performance in the 2005 film Tsotsi. His ability to portray richly nuanced characters endeared him to audiences, making him one of the finest actors to ever grace South African screens. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, shared a poignant tribute, highlighting the inspiring journey of Chweneyagae from humble beginnings to becoming a symbol of hope for youth aspiring towards careers in the arts. 'Presley was proof that where you start in life doesn't have to be where you finish. He was a living reminder that dreams from kasi streets are just as valid as dreams from polished boardrooms,' McKenzie stated. He further acknowledged the profound impact Chweneyagae made during his time, underscoring the storytelling ability that resonated with the soul of the nation. 'The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture mourns the loss of a true trailblazer – a storyteller who held the soul of a nation in his craft. We salute his contribution and commit to ensuring his impact is never forgotten,' McKenzie added while extending condolences to Chweneyagae's family and friends. The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (SACR) of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Honourable Disebo Tlebere, voiced her grief, stating, 'Our winter has just become colder. The news of Presley Chweneyagae's passing has come as a profound shock, as we had hoped to witness his brilliance for many more years,' Tlebere said. Actress Terry Pheto, who shared an unforgettable moment in Oscar glory with Chweneyagae, voiced her devastation on social media, stating, 'I am shocked and saddened by the news of Presley's sudden passing. My heart goes out to his family and the rest of our friends and colleagues in the film industry.' In remembrance of Chweneyagae's legacy, memorial services are scheduled to take place on June 3 in Mahikeng and June 5 in Gauteng, with his final resting place set for June 7 in Pretoria. Saturday Star
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Are you wearing the right color lei for Lei Day? Kumu Lum explains
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Every year on May 1, Hawaiʻi celebrates something special. It's not just another spring day. It's May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi; and it's a time to give, wear and honor lei. Kumu Brad Lum said this day means more than most people realize. 'May Day is very important for me and for my hula halau,' he said. 'We'll be performing and honoring the May Day court. This is an exciting time to honor the lei.' This year, he's not just making lei. He's helping open the event with an oli, performing hula with his halau at Kapiʻolani Park and even serving as the male oli for the day. Here are eight things Kumu Lum said you need to know to fully understand and celebrate Lei Day in Hawaiʻi the right way. The whole idea behind Lei Day is about sharing aloha. 'It's a big time to show your aloha for Lei Day,' Kumu Lum said. People across Hawaiʻi celebrate by making lei, wearing lei, giving lei and dancing hula. 'It's an exciting time to honor the lei,' Kumu Lum added. 'We're all excited.' 'Each island has a lei,' said Kumu Lum. 'And a lot of people don't know this.' For example: Niʻihau has the niʻihau lei that is made with shells. Its color is white. Kauaʻi has mokihana, and its color is purple. Oʻahu has ʻilima, which is bright yellow. Molokaʻi has kukui, which is green and silver. Lānaʻi has kaunaʻoa, an orange vine. Kahoʻolawe has hinahina, which is gray. 'Of course, no one lives on Kahoʻolawe,' said Kumu Lum, 'but we still honor it.' Maui has loke lani, a pink rose. Hawaiʻi Island has lehua, and its main color is red. 'That lehua flower is beautiful,' said Kumu Lum. 'But just a reminder, if you ever go and travel, you can't take it from island to island. They may give you a fine.'Each island's flower comes with a color, and those colors are part of the celebration. Kumu Lum said it helps people connect to where they're from. 'It all depends on what island you're coming from,' he said. 'The colors signify that.' 'May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi started back in March,' said Kumu Lum. 'They picked the Lei Day queen, and that was such a beautiful event.' He described it with pride. 'It was beautiful. It was so professionally done. It was such a great experience. I wish more people could show up.' The City and County of Honolulu's Parks and Recreation department organizes the event. Kumu Lum said he hopes more people get involved each year. 'Please, please do that,' he said. One of the biggest celebrations is at Kapiʻolani Park. That's where Kumu Lum's hula halau will dance. 'I'm very, very, very honored this year,' he said. 'We'll be performing and honoring the Li Day court.' Another major celebration is at Kaimana Beach Hotel. 'They have a huge Lei Day event coming up on May 1 and May 2,' said Kumu Lum. 'Kaimana Beach Hotel is hosting Kalani Peʻa.' (Click here for more details.) He added that the hotel even holds a lei contest. 'Yours truly will be a part as one of my lei will be in the contest as well,' he said with a smile. Some island flowers grow in surprising places. 'There's a specific lei that only is planted on the plateaus of Lānaʻi,' said Kumu Lum. 'It has to be dry. That's the only way that plant can thrive,' he explained. Even Kahoʻolawe, which no one lives on today, is included. 'There's a lot of hinahina all over the place on Kahoʻolawe,' he said. 'So, we honor that.' Kumu Lum encouraged everyone to take part, not just wear a lei for the day. 'I want you to come to the park on Lei Day,' he said. 'We're all excited.' If you've never been to a Lei Day event, he said now is the time. 'If you've never experienced the May Day is Lei Day queen contest, then please do that,' he said. 'It's so beautiful.' Lei Day is a chance to pause and reflect on aloha, culture, and where we come from. 'May Day is very important for me,' said Kumu Lum. 'Because I totally understand what May Day is all about.' To him, the lei is more than something to wear. It's a way to honor people, places, and history. 'This is an exciting time to honor the lei,' he said. 'So come, give a lei, wear a lei, show your aloha.' 'Mahalo,' he said. 'May Day is Lei Day. Give a lei. Wear a lei. Show your lei. Be there. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 You can click for more information on the Lei Day court. You can click for a documented history of Lei Day. Happy Lei Day, Hawaiʻi nei! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Pendleton King Park still closed and clearing debris from Hurricane Helene
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Local Parks and Recreation facilities are still closed after Helene. I was able to speak to The Pendleton King Park Foundation Board Leader about the status of that popular park. This park — and many others in Augusta — has been closed for more than 6 months. And many of the people who use this space wonder when it will reopen. 'After September 27th, Pendleton King Park, like so many other places in Augusta, was ravished by the storm,' said Pendleton King Park Foundation Chairman Rob Dennis. The 64-acre park is surrounded by trees. This caused significant damage and safety concerns in the park. 'After things settled down the Georgia Forestry Commission came in and did an assessment. We had 267 trees that required attention. One hundred fifty-three of these trees needed to be removed,' said Dennis. Rob Dennis, Chairman of the Pendleton King Park told me they assessed what needed to be fixed from the storm and made a plan to work from the top of the park down to Lake Elizabeth. They also had some volunteer groups that helped with the cleanup. 'Steve Castle and the FEMA groups came in along with the city, and we came up with a strategy to divide the park into sections to start clearing out all the debris,' said Dennis. The park will remain closed until FEMA clears up the rest of the debris and there are no safety concerns for visitors. 'I think it's a jewel for the city of Augusta. It's a great place for people to visit. It really doesn't matter young or old; everyone has pretty nostalgic memories,' Dennis said. Dennis told me they are excited to open the park as soon as possible so people can enjoy it again. There is no word yet on when that might be, but we will keep you posted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tomorrow's Recreation: Parks, Recreation and Forestry's master plan seeks to set the stage for department's future
Mar. 22—On Monday night, the Austin City Council agreed to move the Austin Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department's Master Plan out of work session to be considered for adoption at the upcoming April 7 meeting. The plan itself has been a long-term project by the department that seeks to define a variety of parameters that will help clarify decision making processes for years to come. Parks and Rec contracted with MSA Professional Services to assist in the project. "They were great because I had questions," said Jason Sehon, who was hired after the bulk of the plan had been formed. "They were able to modify the way we thought was more presentable and a more user-friendly plan that we were able to deliver to the Parks Board and then council for approval." "Their knowledge helped carry this plan through to where we are today," he added. In Monday night's presentation to the board, the plan outlined several purposes the department seeks to achieve with its drafting: —Establish a long-range vision to help ensure that resources are used effectively and based on community benefits; —Priority and budget for comprehensive improvement plans and Capital Improvement Projects; —Gather and generate community support and build trust; —Creates potential for developing private and public partnerships; and —Assist in grant funding opportunities. "It's basically a guideline or a road map to give us a vision for what we want to see in all things parks, recreation and trails for the city," Sehon said. "There's nothing concrete in there. There's no deadline here that says we have to do certain things here. These are all ideas based on current trends in recreation." One of the earliest moves in the process was to conduct a community engagement survey between June and November in 2022 that collected 634 total responses and gained an overall view of demographics and those things under the Parks and Recreation umbrella. It also provided a snapshot into key takeaways including the most popular parks, needed improvements and most common suggestions for new amenities among other takeaways. During the process, certain ares found their way toward the top of the list in terms of project goals when the plan was being organized. One of those more pressing areas is ensuring that parks can be used by everybody. "Accessibility is a big one," Sehon said. "A lot of our restrooms, playgrounds aren't really (ADA) accessible in our park system. To me it's an easy thing." Another area is a more narrowed focus on maintenance of existing amenities in parks or how the parks might function in terms of service to the community. During budget discussions this past year, the Austin City Council discussed from time to time parks and how they might fit into the overall concept of saving money in terms of time spent maintaining parks. While there is no intention of doing away with parks through the master plan, Sehon said that the department and the Parks Board would instead look at how these parks are utilized. "There is nothing in this plan that says we're going to eliminate park X," Sehon said. "We're not eliminating parks. Do we re-consider what park amenities are in a park location? Yeah. Does every park all over town need a playground that costs $150,000?" "The Parks Board has talked about how many ways and other ways to manage parks ... and it's not always a playground," he continued. At the same time, the plan isn't necessarily all encompassing. While some areas fall under the Parks and Rec banner, there are other projects that don't necessarily fit with what the plan aims to achieve. Case in point is the current effort to stem the emerald ash borer infestation. Currently, Parks and Recreation crews are cutting down ash trees in Austin alongside Carr Tree Service, which the city contracted with for the first round of felling. However, Sehon said that kind of effort tends to be separate from what the master plan is hoping to do, falling under a separate plan that was developed in partnership with Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Director Luke Reese and Rainbow Tree Care. "It is somewhat of a different monster," he said, but added. "Tree planting could have a place here." A major advantage to this plan is that it's something that doesn't need to be updated every three or five years. Instead, Sehon envisions the plan can be added to as areas of need become more prevalent. However, anything that is made a part of the plan would require reaching to the public. "If we're going to remove something and not replace it, we need to invite (the public) to be a part of the process because that's what we're here for," Sehon said. "If we're going to make a change that might concern people, we're going to get them to the table and involve people." Sehon believes that with the added flexibility the plan offers, more options become available to Parks and Recreation as time moves on, and that can include adding new recreational opportunities while improving existing areas and maintaining equipment. To that extent, he added that much of what the plan tries to do is already being factored into continuing efforts. "I would argue it already has before it's even been adopted," Sehon said. "Just reading through this has helped me to know our next moves. Just the general knowledge that our staff has just reading through this. It puts every park on our radar again. It opens our eyes for possibilities. We're not limited by what's in here. What's the next big thing?"
