Latest news with #Hawaiian-themed
Indianapolis Star
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
LOST GYMS: 'I can see life coming back.' Medaryville gym, long a source or pride, needs help for future
This is the third of a 10-part series featuring some of Indiana high school basketball's "Lost Gyms." MEDARYVILLE, Ind. – On a bright spring morning, about two dozen people gather inside the Medaryville gym. The topic: potential restoration of the once-beautiful gym that sits along the west side of U.S. Route 421 in this community of 559 residents in Pulaski County. Father time has not been kind to the one-time home of the Medaryville Black Horses. Years of neglect have left the gym in a sad state. A leaking roof has ruined part of the original wood floor. There is junk scattered throughout the gym, along with a layer of dust and bird droppings covering the playing floor. The utilities have been shut off for several months. But if you look up, perhaps an apt metaphor considering the goal of this group, there is hope. The arching wooden beams are a unique feature of this gym that are admired and remembered by all who have watched or played a game here. They look almost as perfect and new as when the gym opened in 1952. 'A little town like ours,' said 82-year-old Lloyd Brick, a lifelong Medaryville resident, 'had never seen nothing like this. A beautiful place. Real beautiful.' Brick can remember the Medaryville gym under construction in the early 1950s. It was built directly behind the brick schoolhouse that had been there since 1921. The school housed a small gymnasium that was essentially a concrete box later converted to a cafeteria when the new gym was ready. Hughie Sams, a 1956 Medaryville graduate, was about to enter high school when the new gymnasium was completed. He kept tabs on the construction, watching through his classroom windows in the school. 'I thought it was magnificent,' said the 87-year-old Sams, who graduated with a class of 21 students and played basketball all four years of high school. 'It was state of the art at that time by far, especially with rounded dome. I thought that was pretty great.' The gym, which had classrooms under it for home economics classes and the first and second grades, became the center of the community in the 1950s and '60s. Not only was it the place to be on Friday nights for high school basketball but it hosted sock hops, proms and graduations. Aileen Steele (maiden name Siemens) was a Medaryville Black Horse cheerleader, along many other roles as a class officer, drum major and singer in the choir. Steele has great memories of dancing in the sock hops in her bare feet to protect the gym floor and watching as one of classmates blasted the fire extinguisher through the hole of the 'volcano' they had built for the Hawaiian-themed prom. She played basketball, too. But those were the prehistoric intramural days of girls basketball when the rules only allowed girls to play half court and take two dribbles before passing. 'I walked in (the gym) today and was always amazed at the curved wooden arches,' Steele said. 'I think everyone always commented when they would come join us from other school about the condition of the gym and how precious it was. I remember a lot of days where I'd have to change out of my cheerleading uniform so I could go twirl a baton and then put my cheerleading uniform back on and get out on the floor.' Her husband, Max Steele, played basketball at Medaryville and graduated in 1962. They married in 1966 and lived together outside Medaryville on their family farm until Max died in 2019. As her graduating class prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary, Steele is still brought to tears when she thinks back to a tragedy that occurred just down the road from the gym on Highway 421 between Medaryville and Francesville. Jesse Alva, Jim Dunn and Larry Fritz, three of the six basketball seniors on the 1964-65 Medaryville team, were killed in a head-on collision on the night of Dec. 28, 1965. Richard Tyler, driving the other car, and a close friend of the other three, also died. All four were just 18 years old. All four were wearing their basketball letter jackets. Tyler was a 1965 graduate of Francesville. 'We lost all four of them,' Steele said. 'I still can't get over it.' Medaryville had its share of basketball success over the years but were never able to win a sectional title. The 1952 team came close. That group won the Pulaski County tournament but after knocking off Monterey, Kewanna and Fulton in the sectional, the Black Horses lost to host Winamac 50-44 for the sectional title. Bill Shortz was a young boy about to start elementary school around that time. His grandfather, Ralph Harris, was the principal at Medaryville for nearly two decades and his father, Elmer Shortz, the custodian. Those family connections placed young Shortz in the gym at Medaryville for long hours. 'I worked alongside my dad, cleaning and polishing the floor before each ballgame,' Shortz said. 'It was kind of a tradition that everybody in town and in the country would come in on Friday nights and watch a game. There were two or three of us that always sat behind the team, and we kept (statistics). We were part of the team, even at that age.' Shortz moved away when he was 12 or 13 when his father took a job on the maintenance staff at Zionsville. But he never lost his connection to Medaryville and those memories of the hours he spent helping his father. 'When the season was over, we would come in and strip the gymnasium floor and put new sealer on it,' he said. 'That took two weeks. There was a lot of work on that.' Considering now much time and care the community took in the gym, Gary Siemens said it was 'depressing' to see how it looks today. Until a visit this spring, Siemens said he had not set foot in the gym for about 40 years. His father, Leo Siemens, was the township trustee when Gary was growing up, giving him access to the gym. 'I spent a lot of extra time in here,' Siemens said. '(My dad) had a key, so I'd come in on weekends and practice.' Siemens, who graduated from high school in 1968, had 31 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists at a home game in the Medaryville gym. Siemens played on the last Medaryville team in 1966-67. The Black Horses finished 8-12. The next year, old rivals Medaryville and Francesville, the Black Horses and Zebras, consolidated to form West Central. For the first two years of the consolidation, West Central played its home games in the Medaryville gym. The only thing about the gym that changed was the 'WC' painted at midcourt that still remains today. Lonnie Steele, who had played at Medaryville, moved from coach to athletic director when the schools consolidated. Ray Ferdinand was hired as coach. 'It wasn't that different,' Siemens said. 'The coach had some different ideas, and we ran different offenses. It took some time to learn those.' When the new school and gym facilities were completely equidistant between Francesville and Medaryville in 1970, the school sold the old gym and school to the owner of the Medaryville Lumber Co. In 1976, the school building was torn down. But the gym remained, coming into the ownership of the local American Legion, which used part of the classroom space for meetings and a bar. The gym was used intermittently for functions over the years but eventually fell into its current state. The American Legion moved out in recent months. 'It's a shame that things have gotten the way they've got,' Brick said. 'You know, you take the school out of the community, and you lose everything. That's the way I feel about it. To let it deteriorate the way it has is a damn shame.' But there is hope that it is not too late to save the Medaryville gym and help give it a second life. Morgan Federer, a graduate of West Central with deep roots in Pulaski County, has devoted hours of volunteer time to the West Central youth baseball league, which has a field just to the south of the Medaryville gym, along with putting her efforts into several other causes in the area. 'It would mean a lot to this community,' said 1966 Medaryville graduate Gene Payne, who has worked with Federer in recent months to uncover avenues for financial upgrades. 'This whole area, really. This young lady (Federer) has done all this (with the baseball field) where you drive into Medaryville and say, 'This looks great.' That's what she's working toward here and I'm willing to help her. She's doing a great job.' There is no shortage of hope. But those who remember the Medaryville gym as the center of the community are getting older. Their hope is to give a new generation something they can remember, too. 'I walked in here when I was 5 years old for the first time with my dad,' Craig Stevens said. 'Little did I know it was the beginning of my basketball life. I walk in here now and I get a little shiver down my back. It's special. With Morgan spearheading this, I see nothing but good things. It's not going to happen overnight because it didn't get in this shape overnight. But with dedication and getting more people back involved, I can see life coming back to this facility. I really do.' Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 270-4904. Get IndyStar's high school coverage sent directly to your inbox with the High School Sports newsletter.
Buzz Feed
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
27 Cute Toddler Clothing Pieces From Carter's
A floral skort and tank top that's giving summer vibes with the type of effortless cool your toddler has somehow mastered faster in a few years than most adults have... ever. Price: $16 (originally $32; available in sizes 2T–5T) A summer gauze set for your suave — but hot — Stitch enthusiast. They'll wear this outfit almost as many times as they ask to watch Lilo and Stitch again. Price: $19 (originally $38; available in sizes 2T–5T and in four character options) A ruffly combo that'll keep your little one effortlessly breezy — literally. No shame if you're already looking for a matching one in your size. Price: $28 (originally $46; available in sizes 2T–5T and in two colors) An organic striped shirt and short set that's begging for a summertime photo shoot while also begging the question: "this is so cute, should I save it for future grandkids?" Price: $24 (available in sizes 2T–5T) An active skort and tank to introduce your little mini-me to the glory of athleisure wear early. Are you heading to the pickleball courts or to the ice cream shop? The world is your oyster. Price: $22 (originally $44; available in sizes 2T–5T) A four-piece dino pajama set because dinosaurs deserve to be on all sleepwear. Not only can you mix and match, you can relive your own childhood passion as you decide which dinosaur is indeed superior. Price: $20 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in six patterns) An alligator set that's so cute you just might want to take a wee little chomp out of it. I mean look at those little striped shorts. 😍 If you're looking for something that's not trucks, trains, or super heroes — but still fun — this is it. Price: $16 (originally $32; available in sizes 2T–5T) A jumper dress that's great for playtime, pictures, and, honestly, should be worn any and every day. Babies in overalls? I can't handle it. My daughter had this dress when she was a toddler and it is SO CUTE in person. The precious little skirt and the denim? Get out. I can't handle it. Price: $24 (originally $40; available in sizes 2T–5T) A terry dress in a baby-soft material even if your toddler is demanding teenager-level attention nowadays. Price: $22 (available in sizes 2T–5T) A pair of dino romper PJs — just because they're a toddler doesn't mean they can't have an adorable romper anymore. As a mom whose kids are out of the romper stage, let me tell you: enjoy this stage for as long as you can. 😭 Price: $12 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in four patterns) A Hawaiian-themed short set for making them look like little tiny tourists. Toddlers in Hawaiian shirts?? I'm not crying over the cuteness — you are. Price: $16 (originally $44; available in sizes 2T–5T) A Barbie tutu dress because EVERY summer should be Barbie summer. This dress is totally Ken-ough for any occasion. Price: $23 (originally $30; available in sizes 2T–5T and in a Disney Princess version) A twill button-down romper that gives "cool mechanic shop owner in a 1970s movie" in all the right ways. Price: $22 (originally $36; available in sizes 2T–5T and in four styles) A short-sleeve dino hoodie and shorts for keeping them extra ~rawrsome~ for any outing. Just put that hood on and watch them turn the world into their own little Jurassic Park. Promising review: "My son went absolutely bonkers for this set! Not to mention, it is super soft and cozy, and he looks like the cutest little dinosaur around town, although I may be biased! Definitely a great purchase and highly recommend." —DvggPrice: $12.99 (originally $32; available in sizes 2T–5T) A checkered gauze set that'll have them looking fresh out of a weekend spent yachting the Atlantic. Add a little Hall & Oates and you've got yourself the entire package. Price: $30 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in three colors) A ~pun~ pajama set that'll be a ~whaley~ popular pick for nighttime. They'll ~flip~ for this soft and adorable combo and you'll ~blubber~ over how cute your little one is. And ~fin~. Promising review: "I love these jammies and I always size up, but there is no need to with these! They are super soft and comfy for summer." —BerniePrice: $12 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in 11 designs) A soft floral jumpsuit to keep those little legs covered without overheating them as they zoom around whichever event you're at. Price: $26 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in two patterns) A ~berry~ soft PJ set that'll make those bedtime snuggles so soft, you'll want to rock them to sleep forever. Price: $18 (available in sizes 2T–5T) A truck-themed pajama set for any kid who passes by a construction site with unbridled, contagious enthusiasm. Price: $20 for two pairs (available in sizes 2T–5T and in six patterns) A sweet bow-tie dress that I'm lowkey eyeing in my size. There's nothing wrong with looking like you're headed to a posh garden party even if you're just headed to the park. Price: $20 (originally $32; available in sizes 2T–5T) A cool gauze dress that'll keep them easy breezy even when the weather includes difficult levels of humid. Price: $26 (available in sizes 2T–5T and in two colors) A coconut shirt and short set that'll have you reaching for a little tiny umbrella to put in their juice to finish off their beachy ensemble. Price: $10 (originally $20; available in sizes 2T–5T and in four styles) And a cool swim cap to keep their noggin safe from the sun's rays even if they're swimming. And since it's meant to dry quickly, you might even miss out on the inevitable "it's weeeeeeeet" fight later. Price: $9 (originally $12; available in size 2T–4T) AND a pair of classic sunglasses that'll keep their eyes protected while still looking effortlessly cool. Promising review: "Cute and stays on nicely, and matches many outfits." —MamaHamPrice: $9 (originally $15) A peachy sun hat that's not only an entire vibe on it's own, but also adds some sun protection. My youngest didn't outgrow her whispy/partially bald stage until she was ALMOST 3. Protect that head because toddlerhood certainly doesn't always mean that hair is going to come in finally. 🫠 Price: $9 (originally $12l available in size 2T–4T and in three patterns) And a darling polka-dot swimsuit with an adorable ruffle flower for your little 1950s beach diva. Add a pair of round sunnies and get ready to hear "pass me the crackers, dahling." Price: $11 (originally $14; available in sizes 2T–5T and in three styles) A pair of suspenders because ALL — I repeat ALL — outfits that can have suspenders SHOULD have suspenders. Milk it while you can — eventually they'll roll their eyes and this beautiful stage will be gone. Price: $11 (originally $18; available in sizes 3M–18M)
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Europe's largest tropical resort is 26C all year round with indoor beach, swimming lagoon and new Hawaiian-themed town
And where to find Europe's largest indoor waterpark SWIM UP Europe's largest tropical resort is 26C all year round with indoor beach, swimming lagoon and new Hawaiian-themed town IF you want to find both the world's biggest indoor beach and the biggest indoor rainforest, you are going to want to head to Germany. Tropical Islands in Krausnick was once Europe's biggest indoor waterpark. Advertisement 6 The largest tropical resort in Europe is Tropical Islands waterpark Credit: Trip Advisor 6 The indoor waterpark opened in 2004, converting a former hangar Credit: Alamy 6 It is now home to a huge beach, swimming pools and lagoon as well as slides Credit: Trip Advisor Still claiming the title of being the largest tropical resort, the massive attraction remains a balmy 26C all year round. Built inside a former hangar back in 2004, it stretches across a huge 10,000sqm. Inside are four main sections - Water Worlds, Tropical Rainforest, Tropical Village and Amazonia. The biggest is Water Worlds which has the largest indoor beach in the world, stretching 200m with sunloungers and palm trees. Advertisement Don't worry about fighting for a space - there are a whopping 900 sunbeds across the resort. Water Worlds is also home to a huge swimming pool the size of three Olympic sized ones and a water lagoon surrounded by Bali-style huts. And for kids there is the 650swm Jungle Splash water playground The Tropical Rainforest is the largest of its kind in the world with 50,000 plants inside along with a butterfly house, flamingos and turtles. Advertisement Tropical Village is where you can go for food, drink and souvenirs with huts inspired by Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo and Bali. New last year was Ohana Town, a Hawaiian themed area with bowling, karaoke and restaurant along with overnight lodges. Inside Siam Waterpark The world's best waterpark And there is even a huge spa onside with seven areas of saunas and caves inspired by Cambodia, Australia and Malaysia. But when the summer rolls around, you'll want to head to the outdoor Amazonia area. Advertisement Outside are even more swimming pools including a surfing simulator and a whitewater canal that acts live river rapids. Along with food and drink stands, there is also a sports area for volleyball and football alongside a sunbathing area. 6 Outside is a huge water complex as well Credit: Trip Advisor Day tickets start from €34.90, (£29.48) or you can stay the night from €67.50 (£57). Advertisement The newest accommodation are the Ohana Lodges, ranging from two to five people with tropical inspired interiors. Plans for a new hotel were announced back in 2023 although it is yet to open. To get to Tropical Islands, Brits can fly to Berlin, which takes around 1h40, and then drive an hour to the resort. Europe's current largest indoor waterpark is Suntago in Poland - here's what to expect from it. Advertisement And here is everything we know about Therme Manchester, a huge new indoor water attraction. 6 Day tickets are less than £30 Credit: Instagram @tropicalislandsresort
Korea Herald
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Hong Kong's Largest Stitch Solo Event "STITCH ARRIVES!!!" At Harbour City Shopping Mall Opens Now!
HONG KONG, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Kong's iconic shopping mall, Harbour City has teamed up with Disney Hong Kong to present "Stitch Arrives!!! @Harbour City", the biggest Stitch solo event ever held in the city, running from 1 May to 15 June 2025. The event is a prelude to Disney's highly anticipated "Lilo & Stitch" live-action movie, which premieres in Hong Kong on 29 May 2025. Five adorable photo spots are set across the mall, along with different Hawaiian-themed DIY workshops and activities perfect for kids, which are sure to become a must-visit destination for Stitch's fans. The event transports visitors to Stitch's favourite Hawaiian beach, featuring multiple Instagram-worthy spots. The highlights are undoubtedly the 3-meter-tall Stitch posing at "Stitch's ALOHA Beach" along the shore of Victoria Harbour, and the 7-meter-tall WISHER Stitch towering over the Ocean Terminal observatory deck against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour! Adding to the excitement, Hong Kong's first-ever Stitch-themed pop-up store has landed at Harbour City, offering over 800 adorable "Lilo & Stitch" items, including limited-edition collectibles, lifestyle products, and exclusive merchandise to all super fans of Stitch!
Chicago Tribune
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Summer sculpture series waddling into downtown Naperville in June
Waddle into downtown Naperville this summer and there'll be whimsy aplenty. Sure to quack a smile. Downtown Naperville Alliance's annual sculpture series returns in June, once again adorning city streets with specially painted sculptures through the summer months. This year's theme: 'DUCKS!' In all, 18 duck sculptures are flocking to downtown for this year's installment of the series. They will be on display from June 2 through August, according to Katie Wood, executive director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance. A map of each sculpture location will be published to the alliance's website later this month. 'This is the fun stuff,' Wood said. 'I mean, there is so much to love about downtown Naperville, but doing these (sculptures) every summer is really a highlight for all of us.' The series has been a tradition since the early 2010s. The organization took up the program from the United Way, which used to have offices in Naperville and had its own summer painted sculpture program some two decades ago, according to Wood. When they 'left town, that program left Naperville' until the alliance decided to bring it back, she said. Organized around a new theme every year, sculptures have taken the shape of dogs, benches, trains and hearts, to name a few. Last year, the theme was bugs, complementing what was a historic summer for cicadas. This year's theme is a nod to the Naperville Riverwalk, Wood said. The concept was in part inspired by the Riverwalk's 50th anniversary coming up in 2031 but was also just an ode to 'a wonderful feature of our downtown,' Wood said. Preparation for the series starts about six months in advance, she said. The alliance works with Chicago-area manufacturers to produce the sculptures, which are made out of fiberglass. Each is sponsored by an area business and passed off to local artists to be painted. Once finished, the sculptures go back to the alliance, which works with Gerald Auto Group to glaze them so they're more weather resistant, Wood said. Each sculpture will also have its own theme-inspired name. Ducks to look out for include an underwater-themed bird aptly dubbed 'Tropiquack' and the ever-groovy 'Disco Duck.' Sponsoring businesses this year include DJK Custom Home Builders, Naperville Bank & Trust, Pinot's Palette, Pure Barre, Turning Point Autism and Treasures Naperville, among others. Naperville artist Marianne Kuhn is painting two ducks, one sponsored by Magnitech and the other by Caton Commercial. She's been a part of the series since the program was under the United Way's auspices, she said. Asked what brings her back each year, she said, 'It's just really fun doing public art and seeing the public get involved.' Kuhn's ducks are a colorful and distinctive pair. The first offers a painted scene of the Riverwalk, including a recreation of Dandelion Fountain. The second is Hawaiian-themed, complete with an illustration of two surfing ducks catching a wave. The ducks don't yet have names, Kuhn said. In tandem with the alliance's sculpture series, a few other duck-themed activities are lined up for the summer. Various downtown businesses will be hiding rubber ducks inside their stores for patrons to find in a scavenger-style hunt, Wood said. The alliance is also hosting a Riverwalk Rubber Duck Race on June 6 on the DuPage River. Ahead of the race, community members can pay to 'adopt' rubber ducks for the chance to win prizes. All proceeds will support the Naperville Riverwalk Foundation. Duck sales end June 5. More information about this year's summer sculpture series can be found at .
