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ART & SOUL: Hamptons, a Summer Festival for Arts & Culture Enthusiasts

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Dr Georgette GrierKey Chief Curator of Eastville Community Historical Society

ART & SOUL: Hamptons, a Summer Festival of Arts & Culture Returns for it’s 3rd Year, in Partnership with the SOUTHAMPTON AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM and the SOUTHAMPTON ARTS CENTER

Southampton, New York Jun 11, 2024 (Issuewire.com) – Join us July 19 & 20, 2024 at ART & SOUL: Hamptons for a weekend filled with art and cultural experiences, celebrating influential and emerging BIPOC artists living in the Hamptons community and beyond. The series of experimental events will encourage people to visit Southampton to engage and connect with artists of color, as well as support art and cultural organizations who are passionate about diversity in the arts. Curated experiences include an art walk, culinary experience, film screening, live music and entertainment, a cocktail party, and more.

ART & SOUL: Hamptons will kick off on July 19th at the Southampton Arts Center — a hub that is helping to strengthen arts and culture for the entire community. Featured artists include Art Sims and Reynoir Lewis. A culinary tasting will be presented by the Black Culinary Expo featuring Chef Sandy Pierre, Chef Osei Blackett, and Chef Ronica Copes. New England Sweetwater will host a sipping experience and educate guests about their spirits and cocktails, handcrafted in New Hampshire at their family-owned distillery. To enhance the Hamptons experience, there will be champagne toasts, live music, beauty and lifestyle activations, and a wellness lounge. The evening will end with ‘Art After Dark’, after party hosted in the sculpture garden.

On July 20th, Jeremy Dennis will host a private guided museum tour of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio where guests will learn about the history, culture, and contributions by the Native American Shinnecock Tribe. Following the art tour, visitors are encouraged to participate in the ‘Art Walk’ happening in Southampton – the art hub of the Hamptons, where they can view artwork by the artists in residency.

The first stop will be at the Southampton African American Museum (SAAM), founded by Brenda Simmons. “I’m proud to say this is SAAM’s 3rd year partnering with ART & SOUL: Hamptons. They have been profoundly instrumental in inviting, enlightening, and engaging visitors from near and far to the Hamptons, who are discovering the rich history of art and culture contributed by the BIPOC community”, says Simmons. Artist Alvin Clayton’s latest art collection premieres at SAAM on July 20th.

The second stop will be at the Southampton Arts Center, featuring artwork by various artists participating in the ‘Beyond The Streets: Post Graffiti’ art exhibition. Southampton Art Center’s mission is building community through the Arts, and we are delighted to once again collaborate with ART & SOUL: Hamptons and our neighbors at SAAM and Ma’s House to welcome all to the center and engage with us!” says Strassfield.

The third and final stop of the art walk will be at Hidden Gem NY, a home decor and lifestyle boutique owned by sisters Tanya Willock and Temidra Willock-Morsch. After visiting the vibrant art organizations in Southampton, a private brunch will be co-hosted by Brown Skin Brunchin’.

The festival wraps up with an opening reception to celebrate artist Alvin Clayton‘s residency at the Southampton African American Museum, which is available for viewing through October 2024. Guests will enjoy an interactive digital experience, live music and entertainment, soul food and Caribbean bites, and Caribbean-inspired cocktails sponsored by New England Sweetwater. A screening of ‘CROWN’, a short film that celebrates Black hair, will be presented by co-writer/co-director Karisma Jay.

EVENT PARTNERS / SPONSORS:

SOUTHAMPTON AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM was founded and created by Brenda Simmons to promote an understanding and appreciation of African American culture by creating programs that will preserve the past, encourage learning, and enhance the life of the community.

SOUTHAMPTON ARTS CENTER provides a dynamic venue to present the highest quality programming to the entire community through partnerships with a diverse slate of world-class artists, performers, educators, and cultural institutions.

MA’S HOUSE & BIPOC ART STUDIO is a project that serves as a communal art space based on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation in Southampton, NY. The family house, built in the 1960s, features a residency program for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), an art studio, and a library, along with hosting an array of art and history-based programs for tribe members and the broader local community.

BLACK CULINARY EXPO is a culinary experience highlighting Black-owned restaurants, caterers, and chefs. The platform hosts experiences that highlight Black Culinarians, while providing visibility to entrepreneurs within the industry, including wine and spirits.

WLNG 92.1 FM is an oldies/adult hits radio station licensed to Sag Harbor, New York, and serving the Hamptons and Eastern Long Island, but over the years it has reached out, and today can be heard in the Towns of Brookhaven, and the Coastline of Connecticut and Rhode Island. WLNG is owned and operated by Bark Out Loud Dogs Media, LLC, a company led by meteorologist Bill Evans and his wife Sandra Foschi.

ABOUT ART & SOUL: HAMPTONS:

ART & SOUL: Hamptons is a weekend festival designed to highlight, showcase, and celebrate art created by influential and emerging Black, Indigenous, and Artists of Color living in the Hamptons and beyond. It was created by Yaya Reyes, who curates a series of experimental events to encourage people to visit Southampton to engage and connect with artists of color, as well as support art and cultural organizations who are passionate about diversity in the arts. The weekend will consist of an art walk, culinary experiences, spirit and cocktail tastings, live music and entertainment, film screening, fireside chats, a celebration of Black hair, supporting local Black-owned businesses, and learning about the Native American Shinnecock tribe.

SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES:

Yaya Reyes, Chief Culture Creator

ART & SOUL: Hamptons

Instagram: @ArtandSoulHamptons

VIP guests at the after partyVIP guest admiring artwork during the outdoor art exhibitionVIP guests ESNAVI and husband Elijah BlandDJ Zeke and wife Tiffany posing at the private VIP brunch

Source :ART & SOUL: Hamptons

This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.


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Charles Wierdsma of Colorado – Why Permitting Discipline and Clear Documentation Reduce Renovation Risk

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Sarasota, Florida, 14th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, For many homeowners, the most stressful part of renovation isn’t the noise, dust, or decisions. It’s the uncertainty. When will permits be approved? What inspections are required? Who’s handling what? For Charles Wierdsma Colorado, those questions aren’t secondary—they’re the root of most renovation delays. Through Sara Bay Construction LLC, he’s built a process that treats permitting and documentation not as afterthoughts, but as the foundation for predictable renovation outcomes.

“People don’t realize how much permitting shapes the timeline,” says Wierdsma. “It affects everything—when we start, what we schedule, even how the project gets designed in the first place.”

The Hidden Impact of Permitting on Project Timelines

Permitting delays are one of the leading causes of stalled renovation projects. A 2023 report from the National Association of Home Builders found that the average permitting delay for residential remodels in high-demand regions can range from two to six weeks, depending on the scope and municipality. In Sarasota, Florida, where permitting standards are strict and multi-unit buildings require layered approvals, the impact is even greater.

Wierdsma has seen it firsthand. Projects without permitting foresight often fall into a reactive cycle: redesigns triggered by missed code requirements, resubmittals due to incomplete documents, or inspections that halt work because sequencing didn’t align.

To prevent this, he front-loads the entire permitting process. Before any demolition or construction begins, he confirms:

  • Permit categories and thresholds based on project type

  • Required documentation and drawings

  • Known reviewer turnaround times

  • Specific inspection checkpoints tied to project phases

This proactive approach helps clients avoid the false starts and mid-project standstills that cost time and money.

How Documentation Creates Clarity for Everyone

Beyond permitting, documentation plays a crucial role in how Wierdsma reduces risk and builds trust. Clear, detailed documentation ensures that the homeowner, builder, subcontractors, inspectors, and city reviewers all work from the same playbook.

“It’s not about red tape,” he explains. “It’s about clarity. When documents are clean, decisions get made faster, expectations are aligned, and nobody has to guess.”

Each project begins with a fully defined scope of work, line-item estimates, and visual documentation when needed—especially in condo buildings or regulated structures where fire ratings, load-bearing walls, and mechanical systems trigger deeper reviews.

He also maintains digital access to key documents for clients and partners, including:

  • Permit applications and approvals

  • Engineering letters and plans

  • Inspection schedules and outcomes

  • Change orders with impact summaries

This centralized transparency reduces finger-pointing, keeps the project moving, and ensures that no detail gets lost between site visits.

Renovation Projects with Structural or Regulatory Complexity

Wierdsma specializes in condominium renovations, where city codes, HOA rules, and building limitations often collide. Many of these projects involve structural modifications, shared utility systems, or access restrictions that complicate typical workflows.

According to Sarasota County guidelines, structural changes in condos often require sealed engineering plans, multiple inspections, and coordinated access with building managers. A missed requirement can delay work by weeks.

Wierdsma navigates this by:

  • Engaging structural engineers early

  • Creating permit-ready documentation packages

  • Coordinating inspections in alignment with construction sequencing

  • Preparing building access plans and resident notices in advance

This level of planning not only keeps the project compliant—it protects the client from unnecessary disruption and potential fines.

One Homeowner’s Experience

A Sarasota homeowner who recently worked with Wierdsma on a full-unit condo renovation described the process as “the smoothest construction project I’ve ever experienced.” She added, “Every step was documented. Charles handled the permits, communicated with the HOA, and made sure the inspections didn’t slow anything down.”

That kind of outcome doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of structure.

Why Permitting and Documentation Should Never Be an Afterthought

Many builders treat permitting as a box to check once design decisions are made. Wierdsma flips that sequence. For him, permitting is part of the design process. He works with clients to align vision with what’s allowable and what’s realistic—especially when city codes, structural conditions, or building systems create limitations.

He also encourages clients to view documentation as a long-term asset. When renovations are well documented, resale becomes easier, future improvements are simpler, and warranty questions are clearer.

“Documentation isn’t paperwork—it’s a risk management tool,” he says. “And it’s one of the easiest ways to prevent problems later.”

A Renovation Philosophy Built on Structure and Respect

For Charles Wierdsma Colorado, renovation success depends on more than design or craftsmanship. It depends on structure. That includes:

  • Starting with regulatory research

  • Documenting every major decision

  • Sequencing work in alignment with inspections

  • Communicating clearly across all stakeholders

In a market where renovations often come with headaches, Wierdsma offers a different experience—one rooted in planning, guided by discipline, and structured to reduce risk.

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Press Release

Rask AI Expands Global Content Localization Capabilities With Integrated AI Tool Suite for 2026

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Dover, Delaware, United States, 14th Jan 2026 –  Rask AI, a provider of AI-powered content localization technology, announced continued expansion of its platform as organizations increasingly seek scalable solutions to adapt video and audio content for global audiences. The company’s integrated toolset enables businesses, media organizations, and educators to translate, dub, subtitle, and localize content across more than 130 languages using automation.

As demand grows for multilingual content distribution without the cost of re-production, Rask AI reports rising adoption of its modular localization tools designed to support video, audio, and text workflows within a single platform.

Integrated Tools Supporting Global Content Strategies

Rask AI’s platform brings together six core tools that address the full lifecycle of content localization, allowing organizations to repurpose existing assets for international markets.

The Rask AI Video Translator enables automated transcription, translation, dubbing, and subtitle generation for video content. The tool supports multi-speaker detection, optional voice cloning, and lip synchronization to preserve consistency across translated versions.

The Rask AI Audio Translator extends these capabilities to audio-only formats such as podcasts, webinars, and recorded briefings. It supports long-form audio translation, editable transcripts, and export options for downstream publishing and archiving workflows.

For creators and brands managing content libraries on YouTube, Rask AI’s YouTube Transcription Tool allows direct URL-based transcription and translation, enabling captions and scripts to be generated without manual file handling.

Preserving Voice Identity and Visual Alignment

Rask AI also offers Voice Cloning technology, allowing speakers to retain their vocal identity across multiple languages. This capability is designed for executives, educators, and on-camera hosts whose voice is closely associated with brand recognition.

To enhance realism in translated video content, Rask AI Lip Sync adjusts mouth movements to align with translated audio. This feature is intended for interviews, educational content, and long-form video where visual credibility is essential.

The platform’s Subtitle Generation Tool supports automated captioning, translation, and styling across formats and platforms. Subtitles can be exported in standard formats or embedded directly into video files, supporting accessibility and discoverability requirements.

Modular Platform Designed for Scale

According to Rask AI, the platform is increasingly used as part of broader content, marketing, and education technology stacks. The tools are accessible through a web-based interface and APIs, allowing organizations to automate recurring localization tasks and integrate translation workflows into existing systems.

By enabling a single source asset to be converted into multiple localized formats, Rask AI positions its technology as infrastructure for global content distribution rather than a standalone translation utility.

About Rask AI

Rask AI is a U.S.-based technology company providing AI-driven localization tools for video, audio, and text content. The platform supports transcription, translation, dubbing, voice cloning, lip synchronization, and subtitle generation across more than 130 languages.

Media Contact

Organization: Rask AI

Contact Person: Maria Chmir

Website: https://www.rask.ai/

Email:
info@rask.ai

Address:8 The Green, Suite A, Dover, Delaware 19901, USA

Country:United States

Release id:40170

The post Rask AI Expands Global Content Localization Capabilities With Integrated AI Tool Suite for 2026 appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

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Charles Wierdsma of Colorado | How Structured Project Management Creates Predictable Custom Home Outcomes

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Sarasota, Florida, 14th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, In the world of residential construction, few issues frustrate homeowners more than delays, unclear expectations, or last-minute surprises. For Charles Wierdsma of Colorado, these aren’t just pain points—they’re symptoms of poor structure. As founder of Sara Bay Construction LLC in Sarasota, he has built his entire process around one core belief: predictable outcomes require structured project management.

With a background in information systems and construction technology, Wierdsma isn’t a traditional builder. His workflow reflects years spent managing IT infrastructure, installing renewable energy systems, and coordinating complex construction efforts where timing, scope, and communication had to align.

Today, his clients benefit from that experience through custom home builds and condominium renovations that feel less like chaos—and more like a system.

Building Predictability Through Planning

“Most stress in construction comes from uncertainty,” says Wierdsma. “If the homeowner doesn’t know what’s next or why something is delayed, the whole experience becomes frustrating. That’s avoidable.”

His process starts with what he calls a “definition phase,” where project scope, exclusions, decision timelines, and milestone sequences are clearly mapped out. That includes:

  • Detailed scopes of work

  • Allowance breakdowns for materials and finishes

  • A realistic project timeline with key homeowner decision points

  • Clarity on permitting lead times, inspections, and regulatory constraints

By front-loading this planning, Sara Bay Construction prevents the common pitfalls that derail projects midway.

According to a 2022 survey by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard, nearly 40% of homeowners report being dissatisfied with how construction timelines are communicated. Wierdsma’s structured workflows directly address this gap by making each step visible before construction even begins.

Sequencing as a Project Management Tool

Much of Wierdsma’s approach is rooted in sequencing—a principle he began applying while working in IT and solar installations. In both fields, every task depends on the one before it. If a system isn’t properly sequenced, progress stalls.

Construction is no different. Framing must come before electrical. Drywall can’t go up until inspections are complete. Materials must arrive in order—not in piles waiting to be installed.

“Poor sequencing wastes time and money,” he says. “It’s not just about what gets done, it’s about when and in what order.”

To ensure smooth execution, Wierdsma builds each project around task dependencies. Homeowners receive milestone outlines that explain why certain decisions—like tile selections or lighting layouts—are needed weeks before installation begins. This prevents material delays, trade conflicts, and rushed decisions.

Permitting: The Often-Ignored Risk Factor

One of the most overlooked aspects of residential construction is permitting. Wierdsma takes it seriously.

Sarasota and the surrounding Gulf Coast enforce strict permitting timelines and inspection windows, especially for structural renovations or multifamily units. Missing a submittal window or misjudging review duration can delay a project by weeks.

Wierdsma mitigates this by incorporating permitting lead times into the initial project schedule and confirming code requirements during the design phase. It’s a proactive stance that protects homeowners from frustrating slowdowns.

A 2021 NAHB report found that permitting issues account for up to 19% of residential construction delays. For Wierdsma, reducing this risk is a matter of discipline, not luck.

Communication as a Construction Deliverable

Clients who work with Charles Wierdsma Colorado often cite communication as one of his defining traits.

He doesn’t wait for homeowners to ask questions—he anticipates them. Regular check-ins, clearly documented scopes, and timely reminders about upcoming decisions help clients feel informed without being overwhelmed.

“It’s easier to trust the process when you understand it,” says Wierdsma. “Homeowners don’t want hand-holding—they want visibility.”

This mindset is reflected in every part of the process, from proposal reviews to walkthroughs. It also shows up in the way he handles changes. When a client wants to adjust scope or materials, Wierdsma explains how the change affects cost, timing, and sequence before moving forward.

That clarity creates confidence—and fewer surprises.

One Builder, Many Disciplines

Wierdsma’s structured style didn’t come from a traditional construction background alone. His years in technology taught him systems thinking. His time in solar taught him how to navigate permitting and work with multiple stakeholders. His community projects in Colorado sharpened his ability to coordinate people, tools, and timelines with care.

Those experiences now serve his Sarasota clients in a construction market where predictability is rare.

A Reliable Path Forward

Residential building will always involve variables—weather, material availability, inspection timing. But for Charles Wierdsma Colorado, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s predictability.

“When a homeowner chooses to build or renovate, they’re making a huge commitment,” he says. “They deserve a process that makes them feel supported, informed, and in control.”

Through structured planning, thoughtful sequencing, and steady communication, Wierdsma has created more than a construction company. He’s created a process designed to reduce stress, increase clarity, and deliver the kind of experience every homeowner wants—but few expect.

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