Positive Thoughts | Positive Actions | Positive Results
THERE ARE SHORT-CUTS TO HAPPINESS, AND DANCING IS ONE THEM. ~ VICKI BAUM
Please support your creative community this weekend. Visit a local dance theater, playhouse, art show or museum.
And, remember…Feed Your Good Dog, so your good dog always wins!
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HERE IS A LITTLE SOMETHING TO SEND YOU DANCING INTO HAPPINESS THIS WEEKEND!
TRI FOR LIFE…THREE BROTHERS RACE IN MEMORY OF THE FOURTH…RAISING AWARENESS FOR ORGAN DONATION THROUGH TRIATHLONS.
Brandon, Trevor and Lon Coleman took up the sport of triathlon in memory of their youngest brother, Chase, who lost his life at 20. Every triathlon they do is a testimony to Chase’s physical drive and infectious spirit. He was an avid cyclist, one of the three core disciplines of the triathlon. Chase didn’t simply live his life seeking to push himself further and further along the spectrum of athletic achievement. He wanted to give new life to others, specifically, by donating his organs.
Chase’s moment came sooner than anyone could have imagined. As a result, seven people received a life-saving organ, including his gift of a heart to then 55 year old Terry Gould. Today, the brothers dedicate their lives to running triathlons in Chase’s memory and raising awareness for organ donations.
With that, the Coleman brothers have challenged themselves to participate in 50 Triathlons in 50 States. They plan to promote organ donation in every state in the U.S. while running races. Their hope is to sign up organ donors in all 50 states. They admit it may take a while … but they are excited about their goals. Pease let them know by contacting them through their website if you have a race to offer and you might just see them there.
Daryn Kagan does a great job telling the Coleman brothers story in the video below from DarynKagan.com and how Chase’s decision to donate his organ gave renewed life to Terry Gould and his family.
And, remember…Feed Your Good Dog, so your good dog always wins!
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If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one ~ Mother Teresa
And, remember…Feed Your Good Dog, so your good dog always wins!
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STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY TIES….ENGAGE A SENIOR MEMBER OF YOUR COMMUNITY
They are our storytellers – our elderly are meant to be those who share the secrets of wisdom and knowledge and life with our youth. – Cameron Diaz
The simple act of social interaction with an elder member of your community can improve their life and yours; and, as a result strengthen community ties.
Visit with a grandparent, aunt, uncle, elderly neighbor, or get to know someone new in your community by visiting a local assisted living home and participating in their volunteer activities.
There are so many ways that you can make a positive impact on the lives of the residents of an assisted living home. They include: visiting, pet visits, reading and letter writing, playing games such as bingo, cards, and chess, helping with crafts, gardening, and, yes, getting them to tell their stories by reminiscing about family photos.
We all benefit from building strong meaningful relationships with senior members of the community; especially young people. It is through social interaction with the elderly that our youth develop a deeper understanding of the aging process, which ultimately results in their compassion for aging loved ones and the senior community as a whole. In essence, they improve themselves and the world around them.
So, this weekend, take the initiative yourself, or encourage a young person you know, to engage someone who has a story to tell.
And, remember…Feed Your Good Dog, so your good dog always wins!
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YOUTH REVIVE GOOD OLD DAYS IN AMES, IOWA … STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY TIES
A group of young people, ages 10 – 17, took a page out of their local history book and treated their community to a good old fashion block party, with the help of the City of Ames, Iowa and AmeriCorps volunteers.
According to AmeriCorps’ Amanda Martin, the Tripp Street Block Party, was held this past Saturday, July 25 and was completely organized by about 12 young people. Over a month’s time they planned activities, went to businesses for donations, held a car wash to raise money and promoted the event. The City of Ames helped out and debuted its block party trailer called the Street ‘n Greet at the event. The trailer is equipped with everything you could ever wish for to put on a “mac daddy” party, including tables, chairs, a sound system, games, community information and more.
Amanda writes in her blog : The party went off without a hitch. Neighbors came out in full force and enjoyed a great feast, largely prepared by Brenda, the grandmother of one of the girls planning the event. Kids were hula hooping and jumping rope. The youth had a learning station for the younger kids, with books, coloring, educational games, and more. The snow cone machine was a hit with people of all ages. KeeKee led a great dance contest. The whole day was just so much fun.
Amanda concludes her blog with an inspiring observation, I was so impressed with all the work the youth put into organizing this event. If every group I worked with was so motivated and dedicated, I would be ecstatic. The group wants to continue to meet and do service projects, and I am excited to be a part of the creation of this new youth volunteer group in Ames.
Congratulations to everyone, especially the young people of Ames, Iowa, who worked on creating an event so successful that everyone wants to do it all over again! There’s no greater endorsement than that!
And, remember…Feed Your Good Dog, so your good dog always wins!
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In seeking truth you have to get both sides of a story. – Walter Cronkite
And, remember…Feed Your Good Dog, so your good dog always wins!
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