Aug. 31, 2013 Fund Raising#soccer

Soccer Moms

The beginning of the school year also means the start of the scholastic soccer season. In an educational institution that does not offer football, soccer reigns. The fans, both students and adults, passionately support the boys and girls teams at all levels from junior high modified through varsity. Although our school district does not charge admission to sporting events, the annual pre-season tournament is an important fund raiser organized by the Booster Club. Tonight was the big championship game under the lights, and the crowd was enthusiastic. I put a little extra cash in my pocket before heading up to the field to pay for the entrance fees of a few of the spectators. This will allow them to buy an additional hot chocolate or dish of nachos to enjoy during the match. I am always pleased to be able to support programs that have given so much to our youth.

Aug. 30, 2013 Helpful Store Employees

Leather Shop Employee , Italy

Most of us have experienced the store employee with an attitude: a rolling of the eyes, loud gum chewing, incessant talking to a co-worker while ignoring the customer. They obviously are not meant to be in the retail business and probably will not last long in the job. Perhaps that is why pleasant store associates are so valued. I was at the deli today where I was assisted by a helpful, happy woman who was good at her job and willing to take the time to explain details about my request. I knew immediately that I wanted to do something nice for her, so I went to the lottery machine to buy a couple of tickets. Fortunately, another employee was nearby because I didn't understand how the machine worked.She gave me great instructions and was very surprised when I handed one scratch off ticket to her. Returning to the deli, I offered the other one to the associate explaining that her positive attitude was noticed, and I hoped she would win. Maybe we need to let those outstanding employees know more often how good their performance is.

Aug. 29, 2013 In Memory of#firedepartment

Local Fire Department

The mother of a friend passed away this week, and although I didn't know her personally, I am sure she was a special lady because her daughter is such a caring person. In lieu of flowers, requests were made for donations to the local fire department. It was an easy decision to write a check to this important organization in memory of this woman. I was dropping the contribution in the mail when I met the son-in-law of the deceased, and we had a short discussion about her excellent care at a nursing home in the nearby city. Losing a parent is always difficult, but it is admirable when the suggestion is made to honor them in a way that will help the community.

Aug. 28,2013 Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Fawn at the Neighbors House

Many might say that in today's society, people are less likely to help each other than in the past when life seemed slower and less stressful. I believe that for the most part, humans are willing to reach out to assist their fellow man/woman. This morning my aged golden retriever disappeared. With feeble legs and dementia, this deaf, nearly blind canine was gone. I searched the property, and my next door neighbor, seeing my concern, looked around her yard also. Nearly an hour later, a boy came running to tell me that his mother had rescued the dog from the street where she was walking unsteadily and very confused. This woman had undoubtedly saved the life of our beloved golden. This afternoon, while mowing the lawn, I noticed that the couple living on the other side of me needed their grass cut, so I extended my path to include part of their lawn. And finally, this evening I took a basket of cherry tomatoes to our neighbor across the street and sat to visit for a spell. Neighbors reaching out to neighbors - whether the gesture is large or small, helpful actions are welcomed.

Aug. 27, 2013 Delivery of Muffins#saying thankyou

Village Park

It was twenty-seven years ago this week that we moved into our house in this quiet village in the North Country. Little did we know that we would raise three children here and become well established as accepted "outsiders" by the locals. Today, I wrote a thank you note to the employees of this community expressing that we appreciate their hard work in keeping this a safe, clean, and friendly place to live. The office staff, superintendent, and DPW crew are dedicated to always doing the best job possible. They seemed pleased this morning when I dropped off the note along with some blueberry muffins to let them know I applaud their service.  Take a minute to tell those municipal employees near you
 how much you appreciate their performance. You will brighten their day!

Aug. 26, 2013 RAK on a Slow Day#determination

A Splash of Brightness

As I near the end of the eighth month of my daily act of kindness project for 2013, I am still determined to perform something each day which will brighten a moment for another. That being said, there are days when it is difficult to identify the outreach needed. This strengthens my resolve to look deeper around me to recognize worthwhile actions. Today's acts were small, but appreciated. This afternoon, at the grocery store, as I struggled to untangle the line of shopping carts, I noticed a woman standing near me. With a final yank to the handle, the cart came loose and I quickly rolled it to the lady who was waiting patiently. She responded with a smile and a surprised message of thanks. Then, driving home under threatening, dark skies, I came upon a mother and young son walking along the road. I stopped and offered them a ride which they declined explaining that they were prepared for the rain with an umbrella. They seemed genuinely pleased by my overture. My endeavor continues step by step.

Aug. 25, 2013 Sunday Adventure#enjoyingnature

Everton Falls, New York

It was a perfect day for an adventure with some friends- clear skies, mild temperature, slight breeze, and plenty of time to explore. I prepared the sandwiches and into the pack went freshly picked tomatoes as well as other snacks. We headed to the hills to pick blackberries and were rewarded with several pints of the small sweet wild ones found scattered throughout the edges of the forest. The second half of the day was spent sharing a beautiful hike and waterfall that we had discovered last year with our friends where we enjoyed a picnic. On the walk back to the car, I gathered up some litter along the trail. We had the pleasure to meet a couple from New Jersey who were also exploring the area, and I took some time to show them a book which explains some other hikes they could take. Enjoyment of nature is doubled when you are able to experience it with friends and inform others of interesting options.

Aug. 24, 2013 Donation#oldshoes

Donate Your Old Shoes

Growing up, I thought people owned one or maybe two pairs of shoes. I had a pair of tennis shoes, or sneakers as I now call them being an East Coast resident, and a dressier pair for church or school. In the summer we might have a pair of flip flops, known as thongs in those days (not to be confused with today's meaning of the word, thong). We wore those shoes until they wore out, and then we could go to the shoe store for another pair. This was a way of life which I never questioned, but as I earned more money, I became aware of shoes to match outfits, and shoes for every season, and shoes that came into style. Sandals, boots, loafers, slip-ons, lace-ups, high heels,
and ballet flats - I became a shoe lover. Today I started cleaning out the closet. Don't let me mislead you, I left plenty of pairs in their organized slots, but I gathered up a dozen sets and placed them in a box destined for the organization Donate Your Old Shoes (www.donateyouroldshoes.org) where they will be shipped to people around the world who truly need them. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Good words to remember.

Aug. 23, 2013 Tons of Tomatoes

Cherry Tomatoes

Tis the season for the gardens to be harvested, and what a joy it is to have fresh fruits and vegetables in abundant supply. Among the verdant leaves and heavy vines , you can find small red splotches of cherry tomatoes and larger orange circles of  Beefsteaks and Romas. They are ripening so quickly that we must give some of them to our friends and neighbors to share in the pleasure of this delectable treat. We will long for the bite and snap of these fresh tomatoes next winter when all we can find are the bland, mushy ones in the produce section of the grocery store. Today I delivered several to my friends as I will continue to do over the next few days. They are simply too delicious not to offer to others!

Aug. 22, 2013 RAK with 18 Month Old

A Tuckered Out Toddler

Today a toddler led me to a series of random acts of kindness. I was given the task of keeping this child occupied while her mother did some shopping for items that were to remain a secret. My method was simple- keep her safe, wear her out, and have fun. We were in a large store in the mall where I let her set the course, and I followed about two steps behind. Being at such a low level to the ground, this little girl located article after article which had fallen off the shelves all of which she handed to me, and I replaced in the correct spot. We wandered for thirty minutes cleaning up the aisles until we came upon the bin filled with balls of all colors and sizes. A one and a half year old can throw balls rather quickly, and then I was the one chasing them  much to the amusement of the other customers! When we left the store feeling tired, but
 happy, I knew it was more orderly than before our arrival.

Aug. 21,2013 Kindness to a Cat

Our Cat

I have stated before that acts of kindness need not be limited to humans; our animal friends, both domesticated and wild, often deserve special attention. It seemed appropriate on this hot summer day to focus on our elderly cat, a calico feline, who has been particularly lethargic this summer. She is normally very independent, so I rarely think of
 giving her extra care. But, today she was treated to a good brushing during which she purred so loudly it resembled a motor. I fed her at the first meow signally her hunger, and replenished the water dish several times. She wasn't interested in pouncing on her toys, but the dogs enjoyed chasing them. Tonight, I am sure she'll assume her usual position beside me in my recliner feeling content about her memorable day. She is a great companion in her aloof, detached way and certainly deserving of some additional care.

Aug. 20, 2013 College Needs#laundrybasket#advocates

The Useful Basket

I listened in admiration as a close friend described how she was lending a hand to one of our recent graduates who is heading off to college this week. Due to circumstances, my friend, a fellow teacher, is assisting this girl by driving her about four hours to the school , accompanying her to the check-in at the administrative office, and then helping her settle into her room. My little acts of kindness pale in comparison to this effort! When my colleague mentioned that this young woman needed a laundry basket, I insisted that she let me purchase this along with soap. As I dropped it off this afternoon, I reflected on how incredibly generous so many people are with their time, money, and energy. I am blessed to know such kind folks.

Aug. 19, 2013 Sharing the Newspaper

Newspaper Readers, Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

I grew up in a household of paperboys and newspaper subscriptions, and even today two of my brothers are employed in the newspaper industry. The affinity for a morning paper as part of my quotidian routine runs deeply. We have subscribed to our local paper for over thirty years. Despite the grumblings and the mocking this newspaper takes, I still find it is the source of important information - regional events, deaths, births, and human interest stories about people who live near me. Last night some friends asked how we knew about  recent performances, and I replied that I had read it in the paper. They do not receive the newspaper, and so  today I walked to their house for a personal delivery of the morning edition. If I didn't give it to them, it would be recycled at the landfill. Why not offer one more family a chance to peruse these pages? Maybe they can pass it on as well.

Aug. 18, 2013 Champlain School District No. 9#schoolhouse

School House

There are no old photos of the one room school house called Champlain District No. 9 which closed in 1931, but the building has been rescued and moved to a safe location not too far from its original spot. A former student has dedicated much time and effort to restoring the structure, and a group of citizens is working to continue the renovations of the building. I attended an open house there this afternoon where I was able to meet three residents who attended the school as children. It was fascinating to listen to their stories and view the pictures and displays. My deep belief in the power of education and my strong connection to teaching through my father and grandmother, make this school house project dear to my heart. It was important to give a donation as well as offer my assistance in future plans that may arise. I feel we are often too quick to demolish old buildings which truly represent an significant part of our past. We should protect them as a reminder of what has contributed to the development of our country.

Aug. 17, 2013 Village Fest#communityspirit

Fun Run

I had the opportunity today to volunteer for my village fest from 7 am until 4 pm. Working the fun run in the morning followed by hours of serving up ice cream, I was surrounded by residents and visitors, young and old, who were delighted to be enjoying a beautiful day next to the river  listening to music, playing in the bouncy house, interacting with the EMTs and Border Patrol while slowly savoring  ice cream cones. The arrival of a helicopter brought oohs and aahs when it landed beside us. It doesn't take much hoopla to bring people together and give them the opportunity to chat with old friends and make some new acquaintances. It is human nature to connect with others. Today was the perfect  occasion to celebrate the spirit of our small community.

Aug. 16, 2013 Coffee Makers#cuisinart

Early Morning, Italy

A four cup capacity coffee maker is too small for my family; those first mugs of steaming coffee are savored, and a small cup later is also enjoyed. But, for a single person or as the sole drinker of coffee in the family, these petite makers are perfect. I had three that I wanted to give away, so I sent out the word that they were available. I am delighted to report that today they have found new homes - all to young women who will  look forward to  a cup o' joe each morning produced by their nearly new Cuisinart maker. Cuppa, café, expresso, americano, caffe, java- whatever name you give it, coffee is a daily need for millions of us. It was my pleasure to pass these brewers on to people who will use them.

Aug. 15, 2013 Walk and Talk About Town

Dog Days of Summer

In these days of technology, it has become easy to avoid interacting with fellow pedestrians as you pass on the street . Many have IPods connected to their ears, the music drowning out surrounding chitchat; others are carrying on a loud, animated conversation on their cell phones, and some are pretending to listen to a call simply because they don't want to be engaged by a passer-by. On my walk today I hoped to find people who wanted to share a casual visit. So, to make that goal more likely, I brought along my dog. Few can resist a slightly overweight, friendly, lovable golden retriever. She truly was a magnet pulling residents to the edge of the road to pet her and converse for awhile. We spoke of nothing particularly important, instead exchanging information of gardens, lawn ornaments, yard sales, and classes in school. It was a break from a mundane day for them and an opportunity for me to meet some pleasant folks. The dog thoroughly enjoyed the attention. As her reward for drawing these people out, she was allowed a swim in the river. How delighted she was!
 

Aug. 14, 2013 Plenty of Puddles

Summer Rain, Lake Placid

I imagine I was a sorry sight this afternoon walking briskly through Lake Placid in the rain. The sidewalks were packed with tourists slogging through the puddles, most not equipped with an umbrella. I had pulled my hood up, but my hair was dripping, and my clothes were spotted with droplets of a warm summer shower. I love walking in the rain, and it was obvious to those I passed. One after another, these pedestrians returned my smile and said hello- the older woman wearing a hat so large I could barely see her face, the young father and daughter laughing as we crossed paths, the group of teenagers joking with each other. One mother summed it up perfectly when she said to her son," We can't do anything about the rain. We'll just have to make the best of it." Maybe my smile was contagious, or perhaps everyone was out to enjoy a stroll in the rain!

Aug. 13, 2013 Heading Off to College#Bedrisers

Trying Out the Bed Risers

Serendipity - happy, chance finds. Sometimes, in the process of weeding out and sorting through years of accumulation, one comes upon an item once useful, but now unwanted. What is the likelihood that very day of someone mentioning  she needs the thing you were ready to discard? Take bed risers, for example. These are valued by college students because they offer them additional storage under the bed in an already cramped room. For the rest of the population, they are less commonly used. I was prepared to throw a set of risers in the trash when a former student mentioned she needed to buy some. "Don't buy any." I exclaimed," I discovered some yesterday, and we have no use for them." I gave those risers to her today, and she was mighty pleased to receive them. They have already come in handy in Connecticut and New York City, and now they are heading to Vermont!

Aug. 12, 2013 Local Business Owners#Dedicated

Local Business

Supporting local business is the right thing to do for a number of reasons. These proprietors have chosen to establish in your community because they believe in serving the residents. They have made a commitment to the area and are willing to support regional projects. This is the place you will find your neighbors giving you a chance to catch up on their doings. I stopped by one such business today and found the owner hard at work. She is  dedicated to running a classy shop which has made a difference in this village. I handed her a notepad and pen set I had found recently and told her to keep it if she could use it or pass it on if it wasn't her style. She quickly replied that it would be handy for some record keeping she does. A little acknowledgement of an appreciation for a business goes a long way. Tell those local shopkeepers how much you enjoy their establishment.

Aug. 11, 2013 Sharing a Trifle

Black Forest Trifle

Those beautiful photos of delicious, decadent desserts that one views on Facebook and Pinterest make me want to rush to the store to buy the ingredients and get busy baking. The Black Forest Trifle was shared by several of my friends, and I saved that recipe waiting for the right time to assemble it. It is definitely too much for the two of us, so tonight I will serve it to my brother and sister in law. With several layers of  chocolate cake, cherries, pudding, and whipped cream, drizzled with rum, maybe we will have to have seconds, or perhaps I will have to invite the neighbors over to sample this treat. Dessert always seems tastier when shared with friends and family!

Aug. 10, 2013 Summer Reading#local library

At The Village Library

Amid the choices of where to find a book to read, many of us have access to a local library. I am embarrassed to admit that it had been many months that I hadn't visited our building of books. This is particularly sad when I remember that , as a child, my Saturday visits to the library in my home town were the highlight of my week. Today I went in search of a good summer read, something light and entertaining to enjoy as I relax by the side of the pool during these final days of August. I immediately was filled with that comfortable feeling as I perused the stacks. Choosing which novel to borrow took some time because I take pleasure in revisiting ones I have read and remember how much I appreciated them. While checking out, the librarian and I had a long discussion about the dire financial situation surrounding maintaining a library. They are seeking creative ways to raise funds, but it is a challenge. I had a little spare cash in my pocket which I donated to their cause. It is a mere drop in the bucket in terms of what is needed. We all can benefit from our local library, so keep them in mind when you are planning on supporting a community need.

Aug. 9, 2013 School Supplies#classact

It is the time of year when school supplies go on sale, and for those who plan ahead, there are great bargains and money to be saved. Without my children living at home, I no longer make the trek to the mall to pick out the best folders with the cutest design or debate the value of a one subject versus a three subject notebook. However, today, I did travel to the big box paper store to buy a few supplies because I know that for many people money is tight; buying pens, pencils, notebooks, and binders is not in the budget in early August. It was fun to select crayons and markers, pencil cases and glue sticks. I gathered up my purchases and headed to our local television station where they have placed a container for residents to donate these items which are needed by so many children. The box was empty, so my bags looked lonely at the bottom. Hopefully, others will join in this effort to collect school materials for those who can not afford them.

Aug. 8, 2013 Military Service#TurningBlue

There is an expectation that high school seniors should continue their education and go on to college. And, in fact, many do head off to college to discover that it isn't for them, at least, not at this moment in their lives. Another option is joining a branch of the military. As stereotypes goes, mothers fear this, fathers are proud, and siblings miss their brother or sister who left the family to return as a disciplined man or woman. One of my former students just completed his basic training. He was a smart, conscientious student in school who had planned to attend college, but he decided to enlist instead. He will make an excellent soldier and defender of our country. I am as proud of him as if he had just graduated with his college degree. I sent him a card today with my congratulations and thanks for his service to the USA.

Aug 7, 2013 Escapade#DogCatcher

A Special Pooch

The seventy year old woman walking as quickly as she could down the road this morning didn't have a prayer of catching the dog in front of her. This canine, a cross between a skunk and a Furby, had a good head start on her, and he wasn't looking back. We slowed down to ask if we could help to which she replied " I'm not going to be able to catch him."  After parking on the side of the highway, I got out  and squatted down calling him softly. Much to my surprise he came right to me and jump in my arms. When I handed him to the owner, I scratched his head and he give me a kiss on the nose! That RAK was a great start to my day.

Aug. 6, 2013 Barrels of Flowers

Thirsty Plants

There are barrels of flowers placed around the village to add a splash of color to the neighborhoods.  By this point in the summer, they begin to look bedraggled. Among the multitude of tasks assigned to the village employees is watering these plants, but there are certainly many responsibilities much more important that require immediate attention. I told the superintendent of public works that I would water the barrel near my house today. With my watering can in hand, I walked to the corner to give those flowers a hefty drink. They seemed to perk up after that. I hope I can revive them for everyone to enjoy during these last days of summer.

Aug. 5, 2013 Traveling the Back Roads

The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines.

 Charles  Kuralt

Concord, MA

If I had my druthers, I would always choose to travel the back roads. Fields, forests, diners, and Mom and Pop stores line the routes between the villages and towns. One feels the history unrolling before the car-a barn halved collapsed, a small church at a quiet crossroads, a monument to the local soldiers who served our country proudly. I can understand wanting to visit these forgotten areas, so when I came upon a couple today photographing an old building in the center of my community, I understood their fascination with its history. They asked where they might find other historic structures in the neighborhood, and I directed them to a street filled with beautiful houses built years ago. They were appreciative of this information. If only we weren't always in such a rush to arrive at a destination, we would realize that there are many points in between which offer beauty and knowledge.

Aug. 4, 2013 Concert in the Park

Performer With a Firm Grasp of Music

My village is small, old, quiet, and slow. I can see from photos of the past that it used to be filled with activity and bustle, but today it has lost its spark. To rekindle that spirit, last year I organized a concert in the park which was very well attended. The second annual concert took place tonight, and with the help of my choral director colleague, the park was filled with all genres of music. I watched in amazement as drums, guitars, keyboards, and sheet music were pulled from the vehicles. The trailer arrived and was transformed into a spacious stage.. Their enthusiasm was contagious; I was thrilled to have planted the little seed of a beautiful evening of music performed by talented local people beside the calm river in this normally sedate community.

Aug. 3, 2013 Congratulations#EagleScout

Congratulations

Why is it so difficult to tell someone that they have done a good job? Employers, parents, husbands, wives, siblings, friends- in any role, there are always opportunities to let someone know that you recognize their effort, their accomplishment or their cooperation. I wrote notes to two of my former students today who recently completed their Eagle Scout awards. This is a great achievement and worthy of more than a passing remark. I wanted them to know that I admire their perseverance to completing this goal. Look around you to see who deserves a little recognition. I bet it will be easy to identify someone each day who merits praise. Sincere compliments make everyone feel good.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that a friendly, talkative student  arrived at my house yesterday bearing a delicious cupcake and a hug for me. Then , later, I received an offer from another friend to help out at an event I am coordinating tomorrow. These acts of kindness are being produced all around me. Thanks for making my day!

Aug. 2, 2013 Cleaning out the Attic

Old House Renovation

Life in a home built prior to the Civil War is fascinating and frustrating especially when one want to renovate, repair or clean. We have found many historic items within the walls ,but you simply never know exactly what you are getting into when a project is begun. Today I was determined to tackle over thirty years of accumulation in the attic. It was hot , stuffy, and musty as I pawed through boxes and bags of stuff. I suppose if I were so inclined, I would think of having a garage sale, but that is not my style. Instead, I donated the old clothing to our local Mission Center, and I took the other unwanted items of value and placed them near my street. They were picked up rather quickly. One young man walked in the yard to verify that I was giving away a Rock Band set . He was delighted when I said yes. This project may take several days, but I look forward to finding things that I don't need and others want. Happy Picking!

August 1, 2013 Wheelchairs#HonorFlight

“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.”
― Abraham Lincoln

Veterans, near Breezy Point, NY

The Honor Flight Network is a national effort to fly World War II vets to see the memorial built to honor them in Washington, DC. This trip is free and offers them an opportunity to fulfill their dream of visiting this landmark. The local chapter will be flying two groups to our nation's capital in September. Understandably, upon arrival, wheelchairs are necessary for these elderly soldiers, and I knew they were looking to borrow some. Today I approached the pharmacist at our independently owned pharmacy to ask him if they could help. Without hesitation, he replied that they were willing to loan at least four wheelchairs to the North Country Honor Flight group. He also gave me the names of a couple of other pharmacies who may want to assist in this effort. I am delighted to play a small role in this program which is so treasured by our veterans.