Latest news with #communitypride
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Town crackdown on 'escalating' issue of graffiti
A town has adopted a "zero-tolerance approach" to graffiti in an effort to deal with its "escalating issue", Crimestoppers has said. The charity said a four-week campaign had started in Northampton to tackle the problem. It was working with Fearless, its youth service, and West Northamptonshire Council, which has increased the maximum fine for graffiti and other environmental crimes to £500. "Graffiti is not only an act of vandalism - it undermines community pride, damages both public and private property, and can foster a sense of unease among residents and visitors," the charity added. The campaign encourages residents to report graffiti anonymously through the charity, and it is being advertised across social media and transport to raise awareness. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Crimestoppers West Northamptonshire Council


BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Crimestoppers campaign to crack down on Northampton graffiti
A town has adopted a "zero-tolerance approach" to graffiti in an effort to deal with its "escalating issue", Crimestoppers has said. The charity said a four-week campaign had started in Northampton to tackle the problem. It was working with Fearless, its youth service, and West Northamptonshire Council, which has increased the maximum fine for graffiti and other environmental crimes to £500. "Graffiti is not only an act of vandalism - it undermines community pride, damages both public and private property, and can foster a sense of unease among residents and visitors," the charity added. The campaign encourages residents to report graffiti anonymously through the charity, and it is being advertised across social media and transport to raise awareness. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.


CTV News
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- CTV News
Carving a new chapter: Chainsaw Sculpture Series launches in Chatham-Kent with Guinness record dreams
Chatham-Kent mayor Darren Canniff (left) and sculptor Mike Winia with the turtle carving seen in Chatham-Kent, Ont. on June 3, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) A pair of turtles in a canoe has officially kicked off a sweeping public art initiative in Chatham-Kent that organizers say will include at least 15 large-scale wood carvings — and potentially a Guinness World Record-breaking sculpture visible from Highway 401. Unveiled last week outside Rondeau Joe's Pub near the entrance to Rondeau Provincial Park, the whimsical piece was created by Bothwell-based chainsaw carver Mike Winia, with the help of fellow sculptors Paul and Jacob Frenette of Carver Kings fame. 'This carving is not just a beautiful piece of art — it's a symbol of community pride, partnership and creativity,' said Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff at the unveiling. 'It's interactive, it's joyful, and it sets the tone for what's to come across the municipality.' Chatham-Kent turtle carving Turtle carving seen in Chatham-Kent, Ont. on June 3, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) Winia, an internationally recognized wood sculptor, said the turtles are a nod to Rondeau's natural heritage, and each future sculpture will similarly reflect the identity of its host community. 'Those two turtles are representative of Rondeau. They're popular here. There's a lot of turtles, but those two are particularly important to this area,' he said in an interview Tuesday. 'This is going to be a true representation of Chatham-Kent—community by community.' Chatham-Kent turtle carving Turtle carving seen in Chatham-Kent, Ont. on June 3, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) Funded through Chatham-Kent's Councillor Ward Funding Program with support from Hydro One, the initiative is intended to blend public art with tourism, giving residents and visitors alike a reason to explore lesser-known corners of the region. The next sculptures are slated for installation in Wallaceburg and Ridgetown later this month. The full series is expected to be completed by year's end. But the most ambitious piece may still be on the horizon: A record-breaking sculpture designed to put Chatham-Kent on the map — literally. 'We've got plans for something world-renowned,' said Winia. 'It's big. The idea and the dream are alive and doable. We just need the right people to come together.' Canniff confirmed the municipality is exploring a major installation along Highway 401 to act as a regional gateway. 'We're still in the planning stages, but we want something really big — something that will make people slow down and realize they're in Chatham-Kent,' he said. 'People drive right through without realizing it. This could change that.' Chatham-Kent turtle carving Turtle carving seen in Chatham-Kent, Ont. on June 3, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) Winia said the potential Guinness record bid has already drawn interest from some of the world's top professional carvers. 'As an artist, it really excites me. Not just the art itself — but the project,' he said. 'We want people to be blown away over and over again. That's kind of the plan.' Canniff said the sculptures are part of a broader arts and culture 'renaissance' in Chatham-Kent, which he hopes will inspire community pride while driving tourism to all corners of the municipality. 'We want people to come here, interact with the art — and with the businesses around it,' he said. 'We have the Barn Quilt Trail… This is going to be something different where are you going to come around eventually and say, 'I want to go to every one of these and get my picture taken with them.' It's going to be pretty exciting here in Chatham-Kent. You'll want to come visit our community.'

Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Ogee1523 Drops Anthemic Summer Single 'Rep Your Park' Featuring Will Traxx
Ogee1523 teams up with Will Traxx to drop 'Rep Your Park' on May 27, just in time for summer. NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, May 27, 2025 / / -- Just in time to kick off the summer, rising music artist Ogee1523 is set to release his latest single, ' Rep Your Park ,' featuring the energetic Will Traxx. The new track is available everywhere music is streamed starting today. 'Rep Your Park' is more than a song—it's a celebration of community pride, neighborhood unity, and the electric energy that comes alive in parks across the country as summer begins. Ogee1523, known for his dynamic sound and authentic storytelling, teams up with Will Traxx to deliver a high-energy anthem that's destined to become a staple at summer gatherings, block parties, and park events. 'With 'Rep Your Park,' we wanted to capture the spirit of summer and the special vibe you get when everyone comes together in their local parks or barbeques,' says Ogee1523. 'It's about repping where you're from and making memories.'The single is accompanied by a vibrant, community-driven campaign encouraging fans to share their own 'park pride' moments on social media using #RepYourPark. For more information, updates, and exclusive content, visit . About Ogee1523: Harlem-born and Bronx-raised, Gerard 'Ogee' Allen is a hip-hop artist who believes in following his dreams—and doing so unapologetically. The father of four (three boys and one girl) and grandfather to ten has been unwavering in his belief in himself and all he has wanted to do, including rapping. Achieving the moniker, Ogee, came after many other childhood names; however, he has undoubtedly earned it now - father, grandfather, mentor, and a role model to the young and old in his community. Since retirement, Gerard 'Ogee' Allen has surpassed what many thought would be impossible, stepping back into the rap game after sitting out for so long. In 2022, he released his album, Never 2 Late, which has cumulatively had its singles streamed and viewed over 400,000 times. And he is not stopping there. Ogee1523 is an evolutionary voice in the music scene, recognized for blending infectious beats with relatable storytelling. His music bridges genres and generations, bringing people together through shared experiences and hometown pride. PR MEdia Team D.A.W. Entertanment +1 443-718-8261 email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City council turfs business naming deals for rec centres in Edmonton
There is something in a name, Edmonton city council decided Friday, voting to keep recreation centres like Meadows, Clareview, and the future Lewis Farms outwardly reflecting the communities they serve. It's called 'visible investment – proactive signage for upcoming infrastructure projects.' A clause in the carried motion allows interior facilities to still be named for a fee, but those sponsorships will be subject to city council approval. The deal doesn't affect facilities that have already been legally contracted — namely, a 10-year sponsorship deal for the Booster Juice Community Centre in Terwilligar, and downtown Edmonton's Rogers Place. Coun. Joanne Wright cited Sherwood Park, Leduc and Morinville as communities that have kept community names for the exterior of buildings, while allowing commercial support for interior facilities. 'I think this is a great compromise as well; keep some of maybe the cultural neighborhood community feel as well for some of these facilities,' Wright said. Selling the exterior names wouldn't address core causes of the city's current fiscal gap between revenues and expenses, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said earlier in the week. 'And, at the same time, they take away community pride and the community's predominant name on those buildings,' he said. Coun. Aaron Paquette wanted to make sure naming for interior components would still come before councillors for approval. Coun. Ashley Salvador called it a 'smart compromise.' While a sum of $21 million (after expenses, spread over 10 years) had been estimated for the total possible revenues for the sale of names for city facilities, administrators demurred from citing specific figures for specific features, leaving room for negotiations and what the market will bear. City administration told council earlier in the week they would be able to work around such a policy, and continue to gather sponsorships for other parts of the properties. Councillors opposed to the motion included Tim Cartmell, Andrew Knack — both declared mayoral candidates in the October electoral race — and Sarah Hamilton. City council asks for report on selling rights to name Edmonton facilities Edmonton council weighs pulling plug on selling name sponsorships Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here. You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun.