In a heartwarming moment at the 97th Academy Awards, actor Kieran Culkin made headlines not only for his Best Supporting Actor win but also for his unconventional promise to expand his family. After receiving the prestigious award for his role in the film A Real Pain, Culkin used his acceptance speech to humorously address a previous public commitment he had made to his wife, Jazz Charton.
Charton and Culkin have been married for several years and already share two children together. During his earlier Emmy acceptance speech in January 2024, Culkin jokingly mentioned that if he won another major award, they would consider adding more children to their family. The couple’s playful banter became reality when Culkin secured both an Emmy and now an Oscar. Reflecting on this journey, Culkin shared a light-hearted anecdote about how Charton reluctantly agreed to the idea after his Emmy win. “We were walking through a parking lot, and she said, ‘Oh God, I did say that. I guess I owe you a third kid,’” he recalled, drawing laughter from the audience.
The actor’s success has not only brought him accolades but also highlighted the importance of family and commitment. Culkin’s candid remarks underscore a deeper message about cherishing life's moments and honoring promises. His words remind us that beyond professional achievements, personal relationships and family are invaluable. As Culkin concluded his speech, he playfully asked his wife, “Let’s get cracking on those kids, whaddaya say?” This lighthearted declaration reflects the joy and love that can be found in celebrating both career milestones and family growth.
A vibrant culinary event took place in Orangeburg, South Carolina, from February 28th to March 2nd, showcasing an array of mouthwatering dishes and unique crafts. The Foodees Food and Culture Festival has been a traveling phenomenon across the southeastern United States for the past three years, bringing together entrepreneurs from various regions. This year, the festival made its third appearance in Orangeburg, attracting nearly forty food trucks and numerous craft vendors who offered visitors a taste of authentic flavors and handmade treasures.
The festival's mission is to create a platform where entrepreneurs can connect with eager consumers and fellow creators. According to Savannah Osborn, the Social Media Manager for the festival, the event has expanded its reach beyond South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina to include Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida. Co-owner of Mama’s Taste of the World Food Truck, Peter Hanti, highlighted the value of such events for chefs to experiment with new recipes and build friendships across different regions. Elijah Karby, a vendor from Concord, North Carolina, emphasized how the festival fosters connections among people through shared passions like art, music, and food.
Moving forward, the festival aims to continue expanding its footprint, offering more opportunities for entrepreneurs to gain exposure. After leaving Orangeburg, the festival will travel to Augusta, Georgia, on March 14th, followed by stops in Savannah, Georgia, and Raleigh, North Carolina, later in March. The organizers are committed to fostering a community that celebrates diversity and creativity, proving that food and culture have the power to unite people from all walks of life.
A devastating windstorm has left a longstanding food bank in Snohomish County facing significant challenges. Last week, a massive tree collapsed onto the roof of the Mill Creek Community Food Bank, causing extensive damage to the facility. The executive director of the Hope Creek Charitable Foundation, Tom Sweeney, described the scene with visible concern. The impact of the fallen tree resulted in severe harm to one of the main storage containers and three portable units where volunteers prepare and store food for distribution.
In spite of this setback, the community's resilience has shone through. Within hours of the incident, dedicated volunteers sprang into action, swiftly cleaning up the debris and setting up a temporary operation in a large tent nearby. This quick response ensured that the food bank could continue its vital service, providing essential support to approximately 2,300 individuals each week. Sweeney expressed optimism, viewing this as an opportunity for the community to come together and rebuild even stronger than before. The estimated cost to repair the damaged space is around $60,000, a significant sum for the organization, but Sweeney remains hopeful that generous donations will help them recover.
The adversity faced by the Mill Creek Community Food Bank highlights the importance of community solidarity and support during challenging times. While the road to recovery may be long, the determination and unity displayed by the local residents offer a beacon of hope. This incident serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength found within communities when they rally together for a common cause. Together, they can overcome obstacles and emerge stronger, ensuring that no one goes hungry.