As we wrap up another week of working remotely and living “safer at home,” we celebrate the things that bring joy and hope. If you happen across something good to share, please email it to [email protected], Subject line: Good news. For now, though, enjoy these good things that happened this week.
4 Good Things That Happened This Week
Good Deeds Being Done
Michelle Conn’s daughters, Jaye, 16, and Toby, 14, have been spreading joy and goodwill to the Magic City during the pandemic, cooking lunch for 42 guests at First Light Shelter for Women & Children, writing uplifting notes for local nursing home patients and sewing masks with Bham Face Masks, a local group that’s creating masks for frontline workers. “We believe that it is important to do good deeds because it is part of our Jewish faith and because it is the right thing to do,” says Michelle. “As a parent, I firmly believe that raising kids to think of others is a vital part of creating a more loving and responsible society. It also allows us to feel more rooted and purposeful during these strange times.” What amazing local citizens!
Free Signs for Seniors
Linsey Lawson of Exit Justice Realty and Justin Petrusson of SouthPoint Bank shared support with Moody, Odenville and Trussville high school seniors in the way of “Senior 2020” yard signs. Linsey and Justin took to Facebook Live to share their plans — sign up for a free yard sign, and the duo will deliver. What a show of local love! Check out the video below.
Don’t Stop Believin’, Indeed!
If ever there was an anthem of hope, it’s Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Seeing an entire floor of medical professionals singing and dancing to the song as recovering COVID patients get discharged brings it to a whole new level. We spotted this on Instagram via @sunny_side_news. Enjoy!
Celebrity Spotting: Happy Birthday, Aden
The power of social media has never been more evident than now. Prime example? In an attempt to help their friend Aden Browning celebrate his 18th birthday, a group of Marion, IL, teens texted Brad Paisley at the number listed in his Instagram bio. Within 30 minutes, he responded. They all jumped on a Zoom call and the Grammy-winning country star shared birthday wishes with Aden. Check out the full story HERE.
*******
Have some good news you want to share? Email [email protected], Subject line: Good news.
5 HAPPY THINGS FOUND LAST WEEK
Sharing Thanks
The only thing better than local children writing encouraging letters to the healthcare heroes at UAB is the Chief Nursing Officer sharing the letters with the world on Instagram. Take a look at this heart-warming video featuring Terri Poe, who shares sweet sentiments of encouragement.
The Road to Recovery is Filled With Hope
Wonder what it looks like when a COVID-19 patient comes off a ventilator and turns a positive corner? Here you go! East Alabama Medical Center staff lined the hallways as patient and Auburn, AL, resident Tony Thornton was wheeled to a regular room. He had been on a ventilator in the ICU since March 20. The hope this brings is tremendous, and the selfless staff cheering him should give us all hope. Read the complete story HERE, and see the video from the EAMC Facebook page for yourself below.
Kittens on the Loose
The Atlanta Humane Society has been keeping its residents busy with occasional trips to the Georgia Aquarium. Last week, canines got the run of the place. This week? Kittens stopped by to visit with some aquatic critters. Take a look at these tiny — and soon-to-be-adoptable felines as they make new friends.
Family-Style Dance-Off
Nashville resident Sherrie Neely, who lives across the street from her parents, shared this adorable video of her daughter and father having a dance-off video. It’s turned into a nightly event while the pair — who are quite fond of each other — are separated due to social distancing recommendations. They both have some pretty spectacular moves!
And Just for Giggles …
Anyone with birdfeeders knows how squirrels can get in on the action and consume all the food before the birds get a bite. That’s why special spinning birdfeeders were invented — to squelch the squirrel thieves. This post by Massachusetts resident Charlie Over on Facebook — along with the descriptive caption — just gave us the giggles. Charlie writes: “Preparing for the 2021 Summer Olympics, Nutzo the squirrel has just smashed the World Record. And in a move which will immortalize him, he invented a new style of changing grip in mid flight, to be called ‘The Nutzorama’.”
And no squirrels were hurt in the filming of this video.
Have some good news you want to share? Email [email protected], Subject line: Good news.
5 HAPPY THINGS FOUND LAST WEEK
A Police Parade Party
The youngest among us are having a difficult time understanding why things like birthday parties are no longer allowed. Such was the case with 5-year-old Nolan, who was bummed out he couldn’t have a party with his friends to celebrate his birthday. In an effort to ease the disappointment, Calera Police did a drive-by birthday parade to lift his spirits. Watch the sweet video below:
Bradley’s Bows Bring Beauty — and Hope
When Homewood Flowers & Gifts owner Bradley Gilbert was forced to temporarily close his business, he suddenly had a little extra time on his hands. So when he spotted on Facebook that the youth leadership at Vestavia Hills High School was asking residents to put bows on their mailboxes and homes, he immediately got to work. “I realized that was something we could do: Make bows at our house and donate them to people,” Bradley says in this article. He and his family are now busy churning out up to 80 bow deliveries a day — and spreading joy with every single one.
How Celebs are Stepping Up
Everyone’s favorite — Dolly Parton — shared on Instagram this week that she’s donating $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN, to help fund further research toward a coronavirus cure. She encouraged others with the means to join her efforts.
Actress Reese Witherspoon also announced this week that she was giving teachers, in particular, a little pick-me-up by offering them free dresses from her store Draper James. She’s quoted in this article on today.com as saying, “Advocating for the children of the world is no easy task, so I wanted to show teachers a little extra love right now.”
And pop superstar Taylor Swift made national news for the help she offered Nashville record store Grimey’s New and Pre-Loved Music. She donated money to store employees as well as enough money to cover the cost of employee healthcare for three months. Read more about this very kind outreach initiative in this article.
Kudos to these and all celebs who are pitching in for the betterment of so many.
Hope in Bloom
This Instagram post by Jeff Leatham, a self-described “flower whisperer,” was spotted by StyleBlueprint staff writer Zoe Yarborough. It reads:
“COVID-19 is having a major impact on the floriculture sector ALL around the world. The Flower Council of Holland is working hard to find a way to maintain consumers’ interest in flowers in a positive and appropriate way. That is why the consumer campaign ‘Let hope bloom’ will be launched on Friday 27 March. The campaign will run in Germany, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, and will be boosted through advertisements in daily newspapers and via online and social media.”
What an amazing display and a beautiful message!
Hang in There, Peeps!
This comes from SB reader Abbie Giompoletti:
“My 9-year-old son made this poster yesterday because he wanted to share an encouraging message with others. He hung it on our front door to share with people who walk or drive by, and I counted it towards “creative time” in our new homeschool schedule.”
Have some good news you want to share? Email [email protected], Subject line: Good news.
5 HAPPY THINGS FOUND LAST WEEK
Spreading Love in the Magic City
We spotted this picture on Reddit. The message of love was spotted along the Crestwood Walking Trail.
Balcony Bingo: It’s a Thing
Over in Madrid, quarantined citizens in one apartment complex are making the most and passing time playing “Balcony Bingo.” According to this article in Condé Nast Traveler, resident Cristina Purenza posts Bingo cards in the lobby, and at 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, everyone gathers at their windows as one resident shouts the numbers and letters. See it for yourself below. What an amazing display of humans coming together.
No me aburro con el bingo de la urbanización #YoMeQuedoEnCasa #SolidaridadEnLaCuarentena pic.twitter.com/V99YI7bqhL
— Cristina Pruenza (@CristinaPruenza) March 24, 2020
Driveway Dinners Build Community
41 Action News out of Kansas City ran this story about how one neighborhood enjoyed a “Driveway Dinner.” About 40 neighbors put tables out in their driveways, and everyone dined at the same time — a beautiful display of community in a time of social distancing. Check out the video below.
Cheers From Atlanta
This video posted to Facebook gives us goosebumps as it’s such a tremendous display of solidarity and support. Citizens of Atlanta emerged on their balconies to give a public display of support to the city’s healthcare workers during shift change three nights in a row. What a boost when they likely need it most.
Leaf Jumps Bring Joy
And lastly, while this didn’t technically happen this week, it is definitely worthy inclusion if only to make you smile. This video was submitted by StyleBlueprint Director of Marketing Megan Casey. Make sure you watch it all the way to the end …
Have some good news you want to share? Email [email protected], Subject line: Good news.
5 HAPPY THINGS FOUND ON MARCH 25, 2020
Quarantine Questions: A Perspective Check
We spotted this on Twitter, and while it was impossible to track down the original source, it is too good not to share. Create your own and have a fresh perspective each morning in spite of the ills of the world.
“I Wish You Love”
Hearing this sweet voice sing such a sweet song is a wonderful way to start the day. Take a moment and fill your cup with the beautiful sounds of 6-year-old MiuMiu.
Donate for a Drawing
This good thing comes from StyleBlueprint staff writer Zoe Yarborough:
“My friend Morgan Corbett has sparked more than $500 in donations by encouraging her friends (and now strangers, too!) to donate $30 or more to a local food bank. In return, she draws the gifters’ favorite snack and mails it to them. She’s so talented and it’s such a cool incentive to donate.”
If you’d like to donate for a drawing, visit Morgan’s Instagram page HERE.
Meeting Daddy-O for the First Time
What a sweet interaction between a great-grandfather and his new great-granddaughter. Fair warning: You may cry, but my goodness, how beautiful is love!?
Dancing is Great for the Soul!
Natalie Weston, of Liverpool, has a tight bond with her 21-year-old brother, Jake, who has Down’s syndrome. When self-isolation measures, which are keeping them apart, began to take their toll on Jake, Natalie came up with a solution to brighten both of their days — even if a glass door separated them. Natalie showed up at her mom’s house, where Jake lives, and they had a dance party — Natalie outside, and Jake inside. Read the full story and watch the priceless video HERE.
Have some good news you want to share? Email [email protected], Subject line: Good news.
5 HAPPY THINGS FOUND ON MARCH 24, 2020
A Win-Win Outreach Effort
While Vestavia Hills City Schools has been feeding it’s students during the unplanned school closures, they are getting a break this week through a partnership with Leadership Vestavia Hills. As part of Leadership Vestavia Hills’ Hunger Awareness Project, the group has partnered with the school system to ensure that no child goes hungry during the spring break portion of this closure — which is this week. “Our school system has been passing out bag lunches to students who need them since the closure, but since it’s spring break, there weren’t going to be any lunches this week,” explains Leadership Vestavia Hills representative Shelley Gentle. “We’ve raised money from our community to provide lunches from local restaurants here in Vestavia Hills. The restaurants will be receiving some much-needed business, and our students in need will be fed.” We’d say that’s a win-win!
If you would like to contribute to the cause, check out the GoFundMe page HERE.
Break Out the Albums
This fantastic suggestion comes from SB reader Varina Bunton:
“This morning I had an email from the grown son of some of our close friends who live in another city but with whom we spend summers in Michigan. Attached to the email were four hilarious pictures of us from years past at such gatherings as “Christmas in July”, a ridiculous “Hat Party” and all of us dressed as flamingos for a “Cabaret”. I looked at them several times during the day and each time belly laughed out loud. Let’s dig out our scrapbooks and send pictures to our loved ones. Laughter is indeed the best medicine!”
Restaurant Love Abounds
In an effort to support local businesses in Vestavia Hills, a Facebook group has been created to do just that. “Eat in Vestavia Hills” provides a real-time ticker tape of what restaurants are offering and suggestions for how best to support them. Join the conversation HERE.
The Therapeutic Power of Art
This bit of sunshine comes from SB reader Tiffany Bigham out of Murfreesboro, TN:
“I wanted to share with you some photos I took in my Murfreesboro neighborhood. As my family was taking a walk and enjoying the brief appearance of sunshine yesterday, we started noticing sidewalk chalk artwork on the street in front of each mailbox in a cul de sac. As we stopped to look at each unique message and take photos, two elementary school aged girls came out of their yard and identified themselves as the artists. They said they, with the help of their mom, had created the artwork to encourage their neighbors. I thought it was a sweet way for that family to provide happiness to those around them AND occupy a few hours. Now the rain has returned and washed away those precious drawings, but I hope on the next clear day those girls and their mom will use their time and talents to spread more joy around our neighborhood.” (pics in folder)
A Song of Encouragement
As Middle Tennessee State University students returned to classes this week — albeit virtually — they were met with a song of encouragement from the MTSU School of Music. Check out this video they created and shared on Facebook, which features various members of the faculty and staff. Brighter days to come, for sure!
Have some good news you want to share? Email [email protected], Subject line: Good news.
5 HAPPY THINGS FOUND ON MARCH 23, 2020
We Love This Wedding Parade
We spotted this heartwarming experience on The Scribbler’s Instagram account — they shared a wedding parade that took place this weekend. Because friends and family members couldn’t join in the fun in an up-close and personal way, they celebrated the couple with a festive parade. The newlyweds got to see each of their loved ones drive past and waved from a distance. Lindsay, the bride, posted on the Instagram post, “The Lord’s love and kindness in the most amazing display yesterday and we are filled with joy!! Hope this spreads joy and light in darker times!” Congrats to the newlyweds!
Have Opera, Will Travel
While theaters may be dark during the pandemic, Opera Memphis brought their sounds to the masses via a trailer. Opera Memphis artists performed for residents, who emerged and enjoyed the live show from their front porches. Watch the show for yourself HERE, and brava and bravo, Opera Memphis!
Grassroots Group: Lunches for ICU
A grassroots effort took form in Denver late last week in an effort to bring love — and sustenance — to doctors, nurses and clinicians who are working around the clock. Lunches for ICU is designed to keep local restaurants in business while providing meals to healthcare professionals. While this one is in Denver (You can join the Lunches For ICU Facebook Group HERE), this model could easily be replicated anywhere as restaurants nationwide are forced to close their dining rooms. To support Lunches for ICU, check out their GoFundMe page HERE, and if you want to partner with the group, email [email protected].
Livin’ on a Prayer: Chicago-Style
As a lifelong Bon Jovi fan, this one touched a chord (no pun intended). Chicago neighbors abiding by the “Stay at Home” order united by song as they joined in a group rendition of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” According to THIS article, the performance was inspired by the videos of Europeans who sang together from their balconies and windows. And to make this even more amazing, Jon Bon Jovi chimed in about the gesture on Instagram, offering his love and support for all. So good!!
Spreading Joy Through Art
Memphis artist Rita Woodward brought joy to her community through her art. She had some leftover wood pieces from her husband’s projects, so she painted some “pretty little happies” to give away. On her Facebook page, she wrote: “If you’d like a happy little wood chunky, go to my Woodward Arts page on Facebook. All you have to do is type “Want” under the post. I’ll write STOP when these are all claimed.” Approximately 40 pieces were picked up from her porch, and the rest she’s sending with her son Doug, who is an ER nurse at Baptist. “I’d like him to pass them out to some of the other hospital workers in the emergency room. They are on the front lines and I’m sure could use a little painted happiness!”
2 Funny Finds
Here are two funny posts we spotted on social platforms. Enjoy!
Have some good news you want to share? Email [email protected], Subject line: Good news.
5 HAPPY THINGS FOUND ON MARCH 21, 2020
Free Food for the Frontline
“Well the whole reason we created Real & Rosemary & Caveat Coffee was to help people. That’s really at the heart of our mission,” Real & Rosemary owner Jennifer Mims told a local new station. And they are totally carrying out their mission as they offer Hero Coffee and Hero Meal options, both available for purchase on their website, and then the Real & Rosemary team will deliver the purchase to those on the frontlines of the pandemic: medical professionals. Read the complete story HERE.
Paid Forward With Flowers
Memphis bride Erin Drake postponed her wedding earlier in the week due to coronavirus, but it was too late to cancel her flowers as they had already been ordered and shipped. Her florist told her about 901 POP (POP stands for Petals of Purpose), a Memphis group that repurposes wedding flowers after the wedding — using them to brighten others’ days. Erin partnered with the group, and a couple of 901 POP volunteers arranged Erin’s flowers into bouquets — first a large arrangement for the bride (they dropped it off on her front porch) and then they created 15 other arrangements for the women and staff at a safe house to enjoy. The flowers were left by their front door — as a volunteer delivered, she exchanged smiles and waves through the glass.
901 POP’s mission is to share joy and inspire kindness through repurposed flowers and personal experiences, and we’d say they did just that!
Cheer Up Seniors
Walnut Grove Elementary School students are bring a bit of cheer to some elderly folks who are isolated in nursing homes. A few of the nursing homes who have received these kind gestures include McGuffey Healthcare in Gadsden, Westside Terrace Healthcare in Dothan and Capitol Hill Healthcare in Montgomery. Check out the full story HERE. And bravo to these students and their teacher — kindness is contagious!
Birthday Cards: A Global Effort
Mona Helgeland is a single mother of two whose children both had birthdays coming up – one on March 26 and one on April 6. She had planned celebrations, which have been canceled due to coronavirus. In an effort to still help them celebrate, the Norwegian woman reached out to various Facebook groups and asked if people would send her children birthday cards … and they did — from all over. “Blown away by the kindness,” Mona found beauty in the kindness of strangers. Read the complete story HERE.
First Responder Love
Tupelo offices of Renasant Bank and Mossy Oak Properties purchased more than $2,000 in local restaurant gift cards this week and delivered them to first responders and healthcare workers. They are challenging other real estate offices in town to do the same. Well done, Tupelo!
Funny Instagram Finds:
Have some good news you want to share? Email [email protected], Subject line: Good news.
5 HAPPY THINGS FOUND ON MARCH 20, 2020
Happy Birthday, Carl! The Big 1-0-0!
Carl Cooper, a Vestavia Hills resident, celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this week, and while he didn’t have too much up-close-and-personal celebratory interactions, his neighbors did what good neighbors do: they sang to him from a safe distance. See the complete story HERE.
It’s OK.
In response to our article suggesting we all put up Christmas lights to bring some cheer, SB reader Perry Del Favero, who lives in Nashville’s Sylvan Heights neighborhood, wrote in with a beautiful alternative. “We’re terrible at hanging holiday lights, but i brought this banner outside today. Hoping it helps,” she wrote. It does, Perry. It totally does.
That’s a BIG Tipper!
A couple stopped in for an early dinner at Irma’s Southwest in Houston on Monday, and when it came time to pay, the husband wrote on the bill, “Hold tip to pay your guys over the next few weeks.” He left $1,900 in cash and put $7,500 on his card. Read the full story HERE, and then give this generous human a virtual high five!
#SongsofComfort
World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma played Sarabande from Bach’s Cello Suite No. 3 specifically for healthcare workers, stating, ”Your ability to balance human connection and scientific truth in service of us all gives me hope.” See his performance for yourself on Facebook HERE.
Sharing Presents, Not Presence
This bit of good news comes in from SB reader Dolly Kelly from Franklin, TN:
“Bella Brothers just turned 11 this week, and like many, her birthday party was cancelled due to COVID-19. Her mom, Kimberly, just posted to our community’s Facebook page that Bella is giving away little party bags and unopened, new gifts on her porch for neighbors to enjoy. She said Bella is wanting to ‘share with all’ including my daughter, Maryn, who turned 5 on Monday. We had to cancel her party too. So Bella and Kimberly are wrapping a gift specifically for Maryn as a curbside birthday gift later. In response, another mom neighbor posted under Kimberly’s message the following:
‘I just took my seven year old on an “adventure walk” and she picked out the unicorn lamp! Thank you SO much! It’s tough to fill long days and y’alls kindness is making it easier.’”
Bonus Funny Finds:
From SB reader Kitsie Hayles: “My husband sent this [Instagram post] to me and it made me laugh:
Have some good news you want to share? Email [email protected], Subject line: Good news.
5 HAPPY THINGS FOUND ON MARCH 19, 2020
Companies Helping Companies
When Dr. Peter Swarr, a physician in Franklin, TN, asked a friend who owns a woodworking business if they had any extra N95 masks, it was out of desperation. “I asked him if there was anything I could to help,” says Dave Puncochar, owner of Good Wood Nashville. “He surprised me when he asked if any of our woodworking masks were N95 masks. They couldn’t find any, and they were looking at having to close their practice if they couldn’t protect their nurses on the front line — especially caring for people with respiratory issues.” Unfortunately, Dave’s company didn’t have any, but he reached out to another wood-industry friend, Roger Gramm of Just Plane Wood. “I told him the situation,” explains Dave, “and he told me that he could donate eight.” Dr. Swarr sent someone up to grab the masks, and now his doors can remain open thanks to the kindness and thoughtfulness of Dave and Roger.
I Spy — Neighborhood Edition
We’re hearing reports of neighborhood-wide “I Spy” games taking place in neighborhoods, each day with a different theme. For example “hearts” is the theme, and neighbors walk around the neighborhood to find the hearts placed about, taped in windows, etc. What if “I Spy” went nationwide?!
A Touching Toilet Paper Story
Louisville resident and frequent StyleBlueprint writer Julie Englehardt wrote to share a tale from her morning trip to Kroger. “Our Kroger opened at 7 a.m., and I got there at about 7:20, and all the toilet paper was gone,” Julie shares. “Later, as I was walking through the produce section, I passed a shopper with two packs of TP. I’m not one to shy away from talking to strangers, so I said to her (not negatively), “You must have gotten here early.” She looked me straight in the eye as she pointed to a pack and told me to take it. It was a true gift — not the paper itself, but her generosity.”
Free Flowers
This feel-good story comes out of the Netherlands, where Fred and Henk Magendans, two flower wholesalers, had purchased two trucks full of flowers to sell at markets, but shortly after they picked up their flowers, all markets were closed leaving the pair with an over-abundance of flowers and nowhere to sell them. Instead of letting them go to waste, they shared a bit of joy with the staff at two local hospitals. According to this article, “On Monday morning a truck with 500 bunches of flowers went out to the Elkerliek Hospital in Helmond. That same afternoon, people at Catharina Hospital was surprised with 800 bouquets.” And while Fred and Henk couldn’t personally deliver them, they saw many gracious faces through the windows, where the staff received the deliveries and distributed them throughout the hospital.
Special Shopping Hours for the Elderly
In an effort to protect the elderly population from having to move among the masses, several grocery store chains have committed to allotting special hours for that particular age group. According to CBS News, grocery chains like H.E.B., Dollar General, Whole Foods, and Food Town among others are establishing “Senior Hours” on specific days and times. For more information, check out the story HERE.
And a bonus item because it made us laugh:
Have some good news you want to share? Email [email protected], Subject line: Good news.
5 HAPPY THINGS FOUND ON MARCH 18, 2020
She’s Engaged!
Even in times of social distancing, there are always ways of sharing joy — here’s proof! When Premier Living & Rehab Center in Lake Waccamaw, NC, posted these photos on their Facebook page, hearts everywhere melted. One of the residents had a granddaughter stop by and share her good news — she’s engaged. Pass the Kleenex!
Love Thy Neighbor: The Musical
This story of two Ohio children — ages 6 and 9 — playing a 30-minute concert for their 78-year-old neighbor reinstills hope in humanity. The siblings kept plenty of space between themselves and their neighbor, Helena Schlam, as they played their cellos for her in an effort to help her not feel quite so isolated. See the complete story HERE, but for now, enjoy the video:
Musicians “at Your Service”
A big shout out to Coldplay’s Chris Martin for his inaugural #TogetherAtHome performance. He and his bandmates are each stuck in different countries, so rather than keep all of his talent to himself, he took to Facebook, where he was “at your service for the next 20 minutes” sharing his thoughts and some music for fans. As if he wasn’t cute enough, he admitted he was a little nervous having never live-streamed before. Swoon! He finally launched into song — and the colorful hearts began flowing. Watch it for yourself HERE.
Businesses Adapting
You may not be able to gather with more than nine others right now, but you can still embrace life — and many businesses and industries are ensuring that we have the opportunity to do just that. From virtual farm tours to livestreamed operas, here are 10 virtual events you can “attend” while self-distancing. Click HERE!
Take a virtual farm tour. Yes, you really can! Click HERE to find out how.
An Offer to Help
Parents everywhere are adjusting to the reality that they may be homeschooling their kids for the foreseeable future. That’s why offers like this one from a Nashville teacher are so touching. For those of us who are parents but not teachers by trade, it can seem unthinkable that we will now be stepping into a teacher-like role. If you know any teachers, hopefully they will share Christa’s compassionate heart. And Christa, on behalf of non-teacher parents everywhere, thank you for your offer!
Have some good news you want to share? Email [email protected], Subject line: Good news.
5 HAPPY THINGS FOUND ON MARCH 17, 2020
Love Thy (New) Neighbor
When Nashvillian Joyce Claassen had new neighbors move in next door, her desire was to welcome them to the neighborhood — it’s kind of what Southerners like to do. And yet, in light of the current situation, she realized it may not be prudent to show up and mingle in light of social distancing recommendations. Instead, she dropped off a pack of TP – a hot commodity — along with a welcome note. “I felt like I was running books across the border in Germany or something,” she says. “I’m being over-dramatic, but I’ve read too many books!” Her note reads: “Hi! Welcome to the neighborhood. Sorry you moved during a pandemic & we are all hiding behind doors. Here is some prized TP & just text if you need anything.”
The Tale of a $2,500 Tip
As many restaurants are bearing the brunt of social distancing — either limiting the number of customers they can allow, limiting hours or closing their doors altogether — one dedicated patron of Coaches Bar and Grill in Columbus, OH, did their part to lift the spirits of and provide a little financial comfort to the staff. On a bill of just $29.75, the customer left a tip of $2,500 to be split evenly among the staff. From the Coaches Twitter account: “When the going gets tough, the tough stay loyal. This loyal, amazing patron of Coaches on Bethel left the staff a $2500 tip to help lighten the losses during this required closing of Restaurants & Bars in Ohio.” See more HERE.
Birmingham Students Breaking Records
Spring Valley School in Birmingham, AL, is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school whose mission is to provide excellence in education for bright students with learning differences. The students of Spring Valley recently embarked on a 7-week marathon of reading, and they rose above their learning challenges to claim a first-place title in the 2020 Great Reading Games among more than 2,900 participating U.S. schools. Congrats to those participants!
Lunch Doodles With Mo Willems
During this time when schools are out and everyone’s at home, wildly popular — and uber-talented — children’s author and illustrator Mo Willems gets the hero of the year award for launching “Lunch Doodle” for kids — a daily doodle session offered free of charge each day at 12 p.m. CST. Learn to draw, doodle and learn new ways of writing with Mo, who streams live from his virtual studio. Learn more about the free video series and livestream events HERE.
Love Knows No Boundaries
When coronavirus required Bob Shellard to socially distance himself from his wife of 67 years, Nancy, on their anniversary — she’s in a nursing home that is limiting visitors — he stood outside her window holding a sign that said, “I’ve loved you 67 years and still do. Happy Anniversary.” She greeted his sign of affection with blown kisses. Could there be a sweeter love story?! Read more about this sweet couple HERE.
Have some good news you want to share? Email [email protected], Subject line: Good news.
*********
