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Calling all Harry Potter fans! You may not be able to take your kids to the real Hogwarts – but you can get pretty close this . Coats in , Renfrewshire, is a stunning old church that resembles the iconic wizard school, and a local artist is staging three events at the venue this winter to bring "festive magic alive". Lisa Cunningham recently ran a wizarding brunch at Coats and is putting on three more due to demand and rave reviews. The events are over the weekend of December 13, 14 and 15 and will see the venue decorated with Potter-style goodies, as well as special themed food and drinks, photo opportunities and even a real live owl. Lisa said: “We ran an event a few weeks ago and we were blown away by the response. “Demand has been crazy for some more themed brunches so we are definitely looking at other ideas too. “But the big news is we are doing three more Hogwarts inspired events just before Christmas. “The venue is perfect, it’s just beautiful, and everyone really got into the spirit of it all, coming along in costumes and stuff “So we hope this is the perfect festive treat for families – let’s bring the magic of Christmas to life.” While the events are inspired by the world of Hogwarts, they are not official endorsed events – but the venue alone transports you right to the heart of that fantastical world. “It’s all a bit of fun really – we’re all fans and it’s about giving local families something fun to do together in these tough times. “We have some really exciting things planned for 2025 exploring different interests and passions. “It’s such a gift having this beautiful venue to play with.” And while Lisa and the team can’t quite guarantee a white Christmas, they can definitely bring some magic to the build-up. “Transforming a space like this really gets the creative juices flowing which makes for such a special atmosphere and capturing the real magic that we look to emulate in every event we do. “From the set design to the actors, magicians to the owls and even the food elements, everything’s thought through thoroughly to create a wow factor for the guests.” Organisers have posted additional information on what fans can expect on their social media. They said: “After our SOLD OUT Harry Potter themed, wizarding brunch on Saturday 9th November at Coats church in Paisley, we are delighted to announce that we will be back with very special festive editions on Friday 13th, Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th December 2024. “Inspired by The Great Hall in Hogwarts Castle, the main area where students and teachers congregated and received their daily meals and owl post, the church upstairs will be converted with enough space to hold every student and aspiring wizard! “You can expect a selection of festive inspired sand-witches, savoury dishes, jelly snakes and potion-mixed drinks, along with a few of Harry’s favourites, pigs in blankets, turkey and Christmas themed items! So dust off your robes, don your house colours and your best witch's hat and let the magic begin! “During the event there will be magicians and actors present, as well as other immersive entertainment including a visit from Hedwig and his Scottish cousin, Ghost! “IMPORTANT NOTICE: This is an independently created event and is not related to Warner Bros or any of their properties. It is not endorsed by or associated with J.K. Rowling or otherwise connected with Harry Potter or J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.” Tickets are £32.50 per person and can be bought .Activating your credit card? Don’t skip the mobile wallet step

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HOURS after gunmen brazenly killed, Jahiem Papius of Babonneau, and critically injured another man, near Derek Walcott Square in Castries, a group of 36 young men (mentees) assembled in the conference room of the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC), for an interactive session with their mentors. The mood at this event, which was organized by the Our Boys Matter (OBM) programme of the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund, (SSDF) and which coincided with International Men’s Day, contrasted sharply with the recalled deadly shooting incident. The latter brought despair, while the former engendered hope. There will be times when we will not have effective solutions for our problems. Frustratingly, there are times when obvious solutions are before us, yet we ignore them. One hopes the OBM does not suffer this fate. The OBM has its raison d’etre in several, linked, and familiar challenges that afflict boys, such as poverty, hunger, living in dilapidated homes and unseemly neighbourhoods, fatherlessness, high rates of juvenile delinquency, and the growing presence and attraction of gangs. It’s also thought that declining levels of educational achievement, a lack of employable skills and unpreparedness of young men for work, are primarily because students are being forced to take on academic subjects that do not interest them; and are not in areas they are passionate about. Since it was established seven years ago, the OBM has helped to boost the employability of participants. It has given them a desire to set achievable goals for themselves. This, in turn, has helped to motivate participants and given them a sense of achievement. Additionally, the OBM has helped to keep young boys who are contemplating dropping out of school, to remain in school and away from criminality. OBM participants receive housing, educational assistance, and psycho-social support. Those who are prone to, or who manifest deviant behaviour are exposed to the Adolescent Development Programme (ADP) pioneered by the Centre for Adolescent Rehabilitation and Education (CARE). It’s puzzling to note that despite its obvious success, the ADP model has not been fully incorporated within the education system. An attractive feature of the OBM is the pairing of participants with male mentors who can help them to safely navigate the isthmus that connects adolescence and adulthood. Unfortunately, though not surprisingly, few male mentors have come forward, perhaps because the call for mentors has not gone out far and wide enough. The OBM will have to fix this. Admittedly, mentorship is not for everyone. It’s like a vocation. Being a good mentor is about much more than giving good advice. Good mentors have loads of patience and empathy, are excellent listeners, and are willing to serve as sounding boards for mentees. Good mentors don’t know it all, but know enough and are willing to learn, including from mentees. Moreover, good mentors are emotionally intelligent, have positive mindsets and are not judgmental. They always seek the facts on an issue. Finally, good mentors must have good contacts and be able to find resources, often at short notice. Reflecting on these qualities, it’s easy to see that a good mentor is like a good parent, who gives tough love to his/her children, who show concern for them and who are committed to helping them achieve their full potential and become role models to others. Mentors are only as good as mentees allow them to be. The relationship between a mentor and mentee thrives on trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to learning. Mentees and mentors can learn a great deal from each other. The most productive mentor-mentee relationships are those in which both parties are equally invested in success. My parents were the best mentors I could have had. They complemented each other perfectly. My Dad was highly disciplined, so much so that in 27 years of public service, he was never late for work or missed a day’s work. He was brutally frank and deeply honest. For him, a spade was...a spade. He worked hard at several jobs to feed, clothe, and educate us, and to pay the house rent and utility bills. Critically, he taught us how to approach life by his powerful example. But despite his admirable qualities, Daddy was sometimes impatient and high strung, except at Christmas. While Mamma was softer than Daddy, at times she could be much tougher than him. Whenever she didn’t want my brothers and me to leave the house, while she was away, she would simply collect all our pants, put them in her bag and take them with her. It wasn’t that her bag was large. It was because we had few pants. She would leave us naked from our navels to our feet, to discourage us from going outside to play and getting into trouble. Although my parents had 8 of us, often on arriving home from school we would find a distressed boy or girl whom Mamma had taken in. One young girl stayed with us until she reached adulthood. As fortunate as we were to have excellent parents, there were times when “the village” would take over and provide the guidance and counseling we needed. Parenting can be challenging, especially for young parents. Being human, parents will occasionally make mistakes. I count among these mistakes the belief that “sparing the rod spoils the child.” If a parent must often beat a child, this is a sign that parent needs professional help for himself/herself and/or for the child. Unfortunately, unlike in the past, there are fewer channels through which challenged parents can get support. The OBM deserves to succeed and be replicated across the island. The Ministry of Social Equity and the SSDF might consider creating a CARE-type entity, to advance the programme and to effectively manage it. Hopefully, the OBM will receive enhanced support from the Government and the private sector. Masseys, and the Saint Lucia Electricity Company Limited, (LUCELEC), must be commended for embracing the programme as part of their corporate responsibility efforts.Electric vehicle transition could create unwanted air pollution hotspots in China and IndiaMalaysia's first locally made EV debuts with competitive pricing

NEW YORK , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MMA Global proudly announces the winners of the esteemed SMARTIESTM X Global & North America 2024 Awards. This prestigious program honors the most innovative and impactful marketing campaigns worldwide, celebrating the ingenuity of marketing professionals who are redefining industry standards and shaping the future of creativity and innovation in marketing. The SMARTIESTM X Global & North America Awards recognize the exceptional achievements of agencies and brands driving innovation in marketing. Winners gain unparalleled recognition, showcasing their expertise and fostering valuable industry connections. These awardees serve as industry inspirations, demonstrating the transformative power of strategic creativity. Additionally, SMARTIESTM X Global & North America 2024 winners will be featured in the prestigious MMA Business Impact Index (BII), further solidifying their status as leaders in the field. The BII utilizes a proprietary methodology developed in collaboration with WARC, the global authority on advertising and media effectiveness, compiling rankings using finalist and winner data from awards programs worldwide. This year, the SMARTIESTM X Global and North America programs received submissions across seven dynamic channels : Purpose-Driven Marketing, Marketing Impact, Impact Media, Emerging Tech Marketing, E-commerce Marketing, Creative, and AI Marketing. Evaluated by two distinguished marketer-only jury panels spanning continents, each entry underwent rigorous scrutiny to identify the most impactful and innovative campaigns. Global Winners The SMARTIESTM X Global 2024 Awards presented a total of 26 Gold , 31 Silver , and 33 Bronze category awards, alongside 12 Industry Awards recognizing outstanding achievements across various sectors. TikTok was honored as the Enabling Technology Company of the Year globally, while Ingage from Turkey took home the title of Digital Agency of the Year . Komputer, also from Turkey , was recognized as the Specialist Agency of the Year . Amazon Ads, operating in the USA and India , earned the distinction of Publisher of the Year . Dove from the USA was celebrated as the Most Resilient Brand of the Year , showcasing remarkable adaptability and strength in the market. Ogilvy Vietnam was awarded Creative Agency of the Year , demonstrating exceptional creativity and strategic prowess. Mindshare India secured the title of Media Agency of the Year , reflecting their outstanding media strategies and execution. Ogilvy was further recognized globally as the Agency Network of the Year Global , highlighting their effective network operations. WPP was acknowledged as the Holding Agency Company , underscoring their leadership and influence in the marketing industry. Mastercard from Turkey was named Brand of the Year , exemplifying brand excellence and market impact. Unilever was honored as the Advertiser of the Year globally, and Coca-Cola Foodmarks from Vietnam clinched the Best in Show award, symbolizing exceptional creativity and business impact. These winners exemplify excellence and set a high standard for the marketing industry globally. The judging process for SMARTIESTM X Global 2024 involved a comprehensive evaluation of each submission across the seven dynamic channels, ensuring that only the most innovative and impactful campaigns were recognized. The Jury Presidents played a crucial role in overseeing this rigorous selection, bringing their extensive expertise and unique perspectives to the table. Didem Namver , Director of Digital Marketing Excellence & Consumer Loyalty Programs at PepsiCo Türkiye, Chairwoman of MMA Türkiye, and General Secretary of REPİD Türkiye, shared her insights: "The SMARTIESTM X Global Awards showcase the very best in marketing innovation and creativity. It's inspiring to see how these campaigns not only drive business success but also create meaningful connections with consumers. Congratulations to all the winners for pushing the boundaries and setting new standards in the industry." Richa Goswami , Board member at EQT AB, added: "Marketing excellence is about blending creativity with strategic insight, and this year's SMARTIESTM X Global Awards perfectly highlight that synergy. I'm thrilled to see such diverse and impactful campaigns being recognized, as they truly represent the future of marketing on a global scale." Gustavo Aguiar , Integrated Marketing Director at Nestlé Brasil, added: Bei ng part of the SMARTIESTM X Global Jury has been a rewarding experience. The quality and innovation of the submissions this year are exceptional, reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of marketing. Kudos to all the winners for their outstanding contributions and for inspiring the entire industry." Carol Chen , Global CMO & SVP Shell Mobility, Chairman Shell Brands International, concluded: "The SMARTIESTM X Global Awards exemplify the highest standards of marketing excellence, celebrating campaigns that blend creativity with strategic innovation to drive meaningful impact. I congratulate all the winners for their exceptional achievements and for setting new benchmarks in the industry. These accolades inspire us all to push the boundaries of what's possible in marketing." View the complete MMA SMARTIESTM X Global 2024 Winner Gallery here. North American Winners In the North American program, SMARTIESTM North America 2024 winners have demonstrated exceptional prowess in marketing innovation. With 12 Gold , 7 Silver , and 9 Bronze category awards, along with 10 Industry Awards , the region celebrates excellence in marketing achievements. AdTheorent was named the Enabling Technology Company of the Year , showcasing their innovative technological solutions. Patients & Purpose from North America earned the title of Specialist Agency of the Year , reflecting their specialized expertise and impactful campaigns. Hearts & Science was celebrated as the Digital Agency of the Year , highlighting their outstanding digital strategies and executions. Vogue was recognized as the Publisher of the Year , demonstrating excellence in publishing and media engagement. Ogilvy secured the title of Creative Agency of the Year , showcasing their creative excellence and strategic insights. Mindshare was honored as the Media Agency of the Year , reflecting their superior media planning and buying capabilities. WPP was acknowledged as the Holding Agency Company of the Year , underscoring their leadership and influence in the North American market. Dove continued its streak of excellence by being named Brand of the Year in North America , while Unilever was honored once again as the Advertiser of the Year . The campaign Barbie Breaks Out The Box (Office) clinched the Best in Show award, demonstrating outstanding creativity and business impact. "The SMARTIESTM X Global and North American Awards celebrate marketing's potential to drive positive change. We proudly honor this year's winners for their creativity and innovation in Marketing Excellence. Their outstanding campaigns not only drive business success but also inspire meaningful change and creativity across the industry. In addition, launching our new Sonic branding logo at MMA SMARTIESTM underscores our commitment to the future of marketing. Congratulations to all award recipients for their extraordinary achievements," said Rohit Dadwal , CEO of MMA Global APAC & Global Head of SMARTIESTM Worldwide. Explore the complete MMA SMARTIESTM North America 2024 Winner Gallery and delve into the exceptional campaigns that have set the standard for marketing excellence here. About MMA Global: MMA Global is the leading global trade association for marketers, providing essential resources and expertise to empower marketers to navigate the complex world of Marketing. With a commitment to driving innovation and effectiveness, MMA Global plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of marketing. SMARTIES: SMARTIES is the prestigious marketing awards program hosted by MMA Global, recognizing excellence in Marketing. The SMARTIES Awards celebrate the most innovative and impactful campaigns that push the boundaries of creativity and drive measurable business impact in today's dynamic landscape. Find out more about MMA Global at https://www.mmaglobal.com/ SOURCE MMA Global

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LUNCH has come early for customers of a major phone network who are giving away free food vouchers. The O2 network is giving away free £3 M&S vouchers to its loyal customers - but you will have to be quick to claim one. The phone network is handing out 5,000 vouchers per day on a first come, first serve basis to put towards M&S' lunch selection, ranging from the classics to the festive favourites. Whether you're craving meat or veggie options, it's the perfect way to treat yourself for less. Eligible customers will have 48 hours to redeem the gift card in-store, and can be used on any product at M&S, excluding BP Connect and international stores. The lunch treat comes after M&S partnered with Prsnt, a gift sending and receiving app. Read more money news How to claim The promotion is open to members of Priority who are UK residents above the age of 16 The £3 vouchers are valid from November 25 to December 4, while stocks last and subject to availabity. To redeem, tap 'USE NOW' to reveal your unique code. Then tap "Copy Code and Get App", where you will be directed to download the Prsnt app. Most read in Money Paste or enter your code as required in the Prsnt app's home page under "Redeem Code" which will display the voucher. The voucher entitles you to claim one £3 gift card from M&S via the Prsnt app. This can be redeem against the purchase of any product at M&S. A minimum of 50,000 codes are available with 5000 available per day . Meanwhile, shoppers have been left devastated after M&S revealed it had axed a popular treat . The posh shop has confirmed that its iconic Percy Pig chocolate bombe is no more after customers noticed its absence from shelves. The Percy Pig bombe, which is part of an entire M&S hot chocolate bombe range, was cherished for its warming winter take on the iconic Percy character. So fans were gutted when the supermarket took to X to confirm it was being discontinued. One user wrote: "Hi @marksandspencer are you bringing back the percy pig hot chocolate bombs? I've noticed Rudolph and a snowman instead this year." To which Sparks replied: "Hello - not for this year. We have our Rudolph and Snowman options instead." A quick search on X shows how others also loved the discontinued bombe. One person wrote: "These are so yummy... and they have a surprise in them." READ MORE SUN STORIES The strawberry-flavoured milk chocolate bombe , which comes shaped as Percy Pig himself, packs secret marshmallows inside. All you need to do is place the bombe in a mug and pour hot milk over it and watch the magic happen. Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping. Limit the amount of presents - buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb. Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you're not having to buy multiple presents. Plan ahead - if you've got the stamina and budget, it's worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales. Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you're not forking out more than you should though. Buy in Boxing Day sales - some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25. Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent. Shop via outlet stores - you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts. They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.Shelia Poole | (TNS) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ATLANTA — Holidays are a time for families and friends to gather, but for older people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, it can cause so much stress and confusion that they could be in danger of what experts calls wandering. Related Articles Health | Health officials say Louisiana patient is first severe bird flu case in US Health | Health department warnings issued for 9 LA County beaches due to high bacteria levels Health | 2 New York men die after fertilizing marijuana plants with bat poop Health | Weight-loss drug craze appears to be curbing US obesity epidemic Health | What’s behind rising autism rates: A broader definition of autism and better screening “I would say around the holiday time is the biggest challenge for people with dementia,” said Kim Franklin, senior manager of programs and services at the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Schedules are changing, people are traveling, families are coming together and friends are coming over. There’s a lot of chaos going on and that can cause a person to wander. They want to get away. It’s hard for them to process what’s happening.” The Alzheimer’s Association reports 72% of dementia patients who wander are found alive by the next day. Alerting 911 as soon as the person goes missing is critical. The odds of survival decrease as more time passes. Angel Alonso, president of Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery based in Gwinnett County, said the vast majority — between 60% and 70% — of the 30 to 40 calls the nonprofit received last year involved people with the disease. The GESAR is a volunteer-driven organization that works with law enforcement to find people who have gone missing, including children, people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and people lost during major disasters. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Vice President John Clark, who is also volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. For caregivers and loved ones, a relative who goes missing is devastating. Two of Clark’s grandparents had dementia, so he gravitated to search and rescue to help other families and caregivers keep their loved ones safe. He’s consulted with police departments across metro Atlanta on the best ways to find people with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can cause people to lose their ability to recognize people and places that are familiar. According to the Alzheimer’s Association there are often warning signs that a person might wander. Six in 10 people with dementia will wander during the course of the disease. That includes people returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual. Or they may talk about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work or talk about going home even when they’re at home. Sometimes they become restless and pace or make repetitive movements. Clark recounted one call for help when a family reported a missing relative, but they insisted she couldn’t have gone far because of a bad knee that limited her to walking no further than the mailbox. Searchers found the missing woman 7 miles from home. Even those who have never shown an interest in wandering might start without warning. Dan Goerke is fortunate. His late wife, Diane, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012, once went missing from the car of a caregiver. The caregiver had stopped for an errand. Diane had waited alone in cars as people ran errands before. But this time, when the caregiver returned, Diane was gone but her seat belt was still fastened. “It was like she disappeared into thin air,” said Goerke, who said he doesn’t blame the caregiver. Fortunately, she was found uninjured and nearby a short time later that same day. Goerke said it’s hard for caregivers to always be on guard for wandering. “We have so many things to juggle that’s not necessarily at the top of our minds. We have to manage medications, take them to doctor’s appointments, cook meals and taking care of things day to day,” he said. Clark said when searching for someone with dementia, one of the keys is to know what the person was like before their diagnosis. Often their long-term memories are still strong. They once found a woman who walked out of her home and went to where she used to shop and to her old job, although it had closed. Recently, GESAR unveiled a new tool to search for missing people: Maverick. An 8-month-old chocolate Labrador retriever, Maverick is in training to be part of the GESAR search and research team that will track missing people, including wandering dementia patients in metro Atlanta. In cases involving children and people with dementia, a dog’s personality can also be an asset. Labs like Maverick are friendly and affectionate, not imposing or threatening like some other breeds — and less likely to scare the person who is lost. Canines can be used in searches in both rural and urban areas. “He’s an asset,” said Maverick’s handler, Carmen Alonso. “His nose can pick up odors and track where a person has been that we might not think to go that direction.” At the Cobb County Police Department, Public Information Officer Sgt. Eric Smith said if dogs are needed to search for a wanderer they call the sheriff’s department, which has bloodhounds. “They’re not apprehension dogs so there’s little or no likelihood of a bite,” he said. Technology can also help, Smith said. Searchers can use drones and families can install technology on a person’s car to help locate it or use other kinds of trackable devices including on their phone. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Clark, who is also a volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Most cases they’ve worked on have had favorable results, according to the Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery organization. No two searches are the same, said Sgt. Jeremy Blake of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. “When responding to calls for a missing person, the response is different than that of a fleeing suspect,” he wrote in an email. “The K-9s that are used to track missing persons are not trained in the apprehension of suspects. ... Often times, if the K-9 cannot locate the missing person, they can provide officers with a more accurate direction of travel than they may previously had.” Nearly 7 million U.S. residents age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s according to the most recent Facts & Figures report . Of those, more than 188,000 Georgians ages 65 and older also have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter. There is a better chance of being found in urban environments because of a higher probability of a “good Samaritan” stepping in. Wanderers may give no forewarning. Often those with memory issues wander away during activities they’ve done safely in the past, such as shopping or sitting on a front porch. Some people who still drive can become disoriented and drive for miles away from home. According to the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, on average, half the calls for missing persons involve the elderly or someone with disabilities. Call 911 as soon as possible. Have a photograph available for first responders and an article of clothing to provide a scent for search dogs. Sharing what the missing person liked to do in prior years can be a key: Did they have a job they went to every day? Did they like to fish or go to a certain spot? Searchers will need to know the last time the person was seen to help determine how far a person might have wandered. (Source: Alzheimer’s Association and Cobb County Police Department.) ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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