LYON, MISSOURI (KTVI-FOX2now.com)— A Missouri small business owner found $4,000 hidden inside a chair he bought at an auction. But instead of saying "finders-keepers", he returned all of the money to its previous owner.
Most people would think "jackpot" when finding hidden money. But for Ted Beede, that thought never entered his head, which made his decision to immediately return the money a no brainer.
Ted Beede attended an estate sale in Lyon, Missouri, looking for a few items to add to his consignment shop in Dutzow. When he found a chair he wanted and took a closer look, he found a lot more inside the chair.Without even counting the money, Ted acted quickly.
He did not know how much money was there until the local newspaper released the amount the next day.Ted's family and friends heard the amount and say that's just who Ted is.
A handful of customers have come into the store and said that they would not have done the same thing, but ted does not regret his decision to return the cash. The woman in charge of the state sale did give ted $200 as a reward for his good deed.
Source: fox2now.com
Friday, December 30, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Teacher helps get kids 'Snuggled Up'
HARRISON TOWNSHIP (WDTN) - When you go to sleep tonight, think about this - there are startling number of children in our community who don't have beds. Now a Northridge teacher is trying change that, by giving kids a place to "Snuggle Up".
It may not be Santa's workshop, but what's hidden inside second grade teacher Trisha Baxter's Beavercreek garage is almost as magical. It's the headquarters of Snuggled Up Inc. , a non-profit she started after hearing the heartbreaking story of one of her students. "She said 'I couldn't sleep last night. It was too cold on my floor even with my blanket," Baxter said.
For Baxter it was a wake up call. She says she actually stopped teaching to find out how many other kids in her class were without beds. What she discovered was that more than half of her students at Morrison Elementary in Harrison Township, slept on the floor. "I turned away and kind of cried for a minute, just quiet tears, and turned back around and thought what can I do."
It's a question that haunted Baxter for several months until this spring, when she had a revelation - for about $70 Baxter bought air mattresses, sheets, blankets, pillows, repair patches, pumps and plastic bins, essentially a bed in a box, later slugged a "Snuggle Kit"
Baxter sent letters home with students informing parents about her plan and says the response was overwhelming. "We had about a 150 that were on my list in my school that needed a bed. either sleeping on the floor or on the couch". To date, more than a 120 Snuggle Kits have been handed out.
For Angela Deters, a single mother of six the beds are a blessing."The girls either share a mattress or they would be lying on a pile of blankets," said Deters. "That first night of tucking your girls, your kids into bed, an actual bed, what was that like? Honestly, it felt like Christmas."
Deters said her kids now get sound sleep, but furthermore, she has peace of mind, which any mom will tell you is the greatest gift of all.
Source: www.wdtn.com
http://www.wdtn.com/dpp/news/local/montgomery/teacher-helps-get-kids-snuggled-up?hpt=us_bn6
It may not be Santa's workshop, but what's hidden inside second grade teacher Trisha Baxter's Beavercreek garage is almost as magical. It's the headquarters of Snuggled Up Inc. , a non-profit she started after hearing the heartbreaking story of one of her students. "She said 'I couldn't sleep last night. It was too cold on my floor even with my blanket," Baxter said.
For Baxter it was a wake up call. She says she actually stopped teaching to find out how many other kids in her class were without beds. What she discovered was that more than half of her students at Morrison Elementary in Harrison Township, slept on the floor. "I turned away and kind of cried for a minute, just quiet tears, and turned back around and thought what can I do."
It's a question that haunted Baxter for several months until this spring, when she had a revelation - for about $70 Baxter bought air mattresses, sheets, blankets, pillows, repair patches, pumps and plastic bins, essentially a bed in a box, later slugged a "Snuggle Kit"
Baxter sent letters home with students informing parents about her plan and says the response was overwhelming. "We had about a 150 that were on my list in my school that needed a bed. either sleeping on the floor or on the couch". To date, more than a 120 Snuggle Kits have been handed out.
For Angela Deters, a single mother of six the beds are a blessing."The girls either share a mattress or they would be lying on a pile of blankets," said Deters. "That first night of tucking your girls, your kids into bed, an actual bed, what was that like? Honestly, it felt like Christmas."
Deters said her kids now get sound sleep, but furthermore, she has peace of mind, which any mom will tell you is the greatest gift of all.
Source: www.wdtn.com
http://www.wdtn.com/dpp/news/local/montgomery/teacher-helps-get-kids-snuggled-up?hpt=us_bn6
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Anonymous Man Gives $2,000 to Strangers
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— Young Aliyah eyes a box full of toys just for her. They're Christmas and birthday presents her mom, Tammy, put on layaway at the Kmart in Plainfield Township. "She got some Dora and baby doll stuff and her little Weebles. She loves Weebles, and her Minnie Mouse," Tammy says.
Layaway allows the single mom, who's also a waitress, to pay a little at a time on the gifts or what she can afford. However, now those goodies are coming home a lot sooner than she expected. That's because an anonymous donor paid her $150 layaway bill in full. "I was shocked, very shocked, being a single mom. You know, times are rough," Tammy says. "It means a lot that somebody would be that thoughtful to take the time out and do something to help somebody else," she adds.
Employee's say the generous man came into the store this morning and paid for fourteen customer's belongings, about $2000 total. Employee Frank Russo says he had the honor of calling the recipients to tell them the good news in advance."Some of them are crying over this, they're just so happy,” Russo says. “They're just hysterical over this," he adds.
The anonymous donor says he wants others to pay it forward as well. In an email he wrote, “They don't have to spend 2K to help someone. Even $5 can make a huge difference for someone, just knowing someone cares.”
Source: fox17online.com
Layaway allows the single mom, who's also a waitress, to pay a little at a time on the gifts or what she can afford. However, now those goodies are coming home a lot sooner than she expected. That's because an anonymous donor paid her $150 layaway bill in full. "I was shocked, very shocked, being a single mom. You know, times are rough," Tammy says. "It means a lot that somebody would be that thoughtful to take the time out and do something to help somebody else," she adds.
Employee's say the generous man came into the store this morning and paid for fourteen customer's belongings, about $2000 total. Employee Frank Russo says he had the honor of calling the recipients to tell them the good news in advance."Some of them are crying over this, they're just so happy,” Russo says. “They're just hysterical over this," he adds.
The anonymous donor says he wants others to pay it forward as well. In an email he wrote, “They don't have to spend 2K to help someone. Even $5 can make a huge difference for someone, just knowing someone cares.”
Source: fox17online.com
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Man’s Life Saved Minutes After Helping Strangers In Wis.
MENOMONIE, Wis. (WCCO) — Just minutes after changing a flat tire for strangers on a Wisconsin interstate, a Good Samaritan needed life-saving help from the people he just met. On Saturday night, two cousins were heading home to Eau Claire on Interstate 94 when they hit a snag in Menomonie.
“All of a sudden, I heard this loud noise, got out and looked and we had a flat tire,” Sara Berg said. However, Berg and Lisa Meir didn’t have time to panic.“We weren’t on the side of the road that long before he came to help us,” Berg said.
A man by the name of Victor Giesbrecht stopped, changed their tire and had them on the road in 15 minutes.
Less than two miles after that tire change, Giesbrecht had to pull over himself. Berg spotted his wife outside waving her arms for help. Giesbrecht was in cardiac arrest. Berg, a certified nursing assistant, wasted no time, started CPR and called for help. The following moments are all captured on dash cam video from a Wisconsin State Trooper. You can hear rescue crews telling him “Can you hear us at all? Hang in there bud!” Trooper Kate Sampson and Dunn County Deputy Scott Pace were first on scene. “I couldn’t have been any closer unless I was right there. Trooper Sampson was in the same area,” Pace said. Dunn County deputies carry AED’s in all their cars. It took three shocks to get Giesbrecht back.
A helicopter flew Geisbrecht to Mayo Luther in Eau Claire. Giesbrecht is in serious, but stable condition. He and his wife were driving from Canada when this all happened. Berg and Meir said they will ever forget what he told them after fixing their flat. “‘Someone up above put me in the right place at the right time.’ I said, ‘thank you and God bless you,’” Berg said.
At first, Berg and Meir were very worried that changing that tire caused Geisbrecht to go into cardiac arrest but his wife told them they actually saved his life.
Source: CBS - Minnesota - sbclocal.com
“All of a sudden, I heard this loud noise, got out and looked and we had a flat tire,” Sara Berg said. However, Berg and Lisa Meir didn’t have time to panic.“We weren’t on the side of the road that long before he came to help us,” Berg said.
A man by the name of Victor Giesbrecht stopped, changed their tire and had them on the road in 15 minutes.
Less than two miles after that tire change, Giesbrecht had to pull over himself. Berg spotted his wife outside waving her arms for help. Giesbrecht was in cardiac arrest. Berg, a certified nursing assistant, wasted no time, started CPR and called for help. The following moments are all captured on dash cam video from a Wisconsin State Trooper. You can hear rescue crews telling him “Can you hear us at all? Hang in there bud!” Trooper Kate Sampson and Dunn County Deputy Scott Pace were first on scene. “I couldn’t have been any closer unless I was right there. Trooper Sampson was in the same area,” Pace said. Dunn County deputies carry AED’s in all their cars. It took three shocks to get Giesbrecht back.
A helicopter flew Geisbrecht to Mayo Luther in Eau Claire. Giesbrecht is in serious, but stable condition. He and his wife were driving from Canada when this all happened. Berg and Meir said they will ever forget what he told them after fixing their flat. “‘Someone up above put me in the right place at the right time.’ I said, ‘thank you and God bless you,’” Berg said.
At first, Berg and Meir were very worried that changing that tire caused Geisbrecht to go into cardiac arrest but his wife told them they actually saved his life.
Source: CBS - Minnesota - sbclocal.com
Monday, November 7, 2011
Family Pays It Forward in Honor of Slain Canton Man
CANTON, Ohio— A young Canton man, known for his giving spirit, is remembered on what should have been a special day for him. Although he is gone, he is still giving back to the community in his own way. Family and friends of Dale Settle, Jr. took to a Canton neighborhood with groceries in hand Sunday as a pay it forward (act of kindness) in Dale's name. His mom, Sharon Lane, said that's something Dale would do. "He was always giving to everybody," she said.
They were celebrating the way Dale lived and not the way he died. Dale was on his way to bible study when he was shot in an apparent robbery attempt on September 22. He took a bullet, shielding two friends from harm. "As he fell to the ground, he was holding his bible, and he said, 'Forgive them,' and he started praying for the guy who shot him," Lane said.
300 bags of groceries were delivered to families on the street near where Dale was killed -- on the day Dale would have turned 23. "We're just passing out Thanksgiving goods in his name to do something positive," his sister Jackie Settle said. "Dale was the most amazing son. Twenty-three years ago today, he came into this world, and he left the world a better place because of who he was and what he did. I love him, and I miss him," his mom said.
Dale's aunt spread the word about the grocery giveaway on Facebook. More than a thousand people responded to the post, vowing to deliver an act of kindness in Dale's name.
Source: Fox8.com
They were celebrating the way Dale lived and not the way he died. Dale was on his way to bible study when he was shot in an apparent robbery attempt on September 22. He took a bullet, shielding two friends from harm. "As he fell to the ground, he was holding his bible, and he said, 'Forgive them,' and he started praying for the guy who shot him," Lane said.
300 bags of groceries were delivered to families on the street near where Dale was killed -- on the day Dale would have turned 23. "We're just passing out Thanksgiving goods in his name to do something positive," his sister Jackie Settle said. "Dale was the most amazing son. Twenty-three years ago today, he came into this world, and he left the world a better place because of who he was and what he did. I love him, and I miss him," his mom said.
Dale's aunt spread the word about the grocery giveaway on Facebook. More than a thousand people responded to the post, vowing to deliver an act of kindness in Dale's name.
Source: Fox8.com
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Scottsdale man goes extra mile to return lost wallet
GILBERT, AZ (KPHO) - Jenna Cook was having a great time at the Scottsdale Kidsfest a couple weeks ago until it was time to go.
"I put my wallet on top of the stroller and when I put the stroller in the car it must have fallen out," said Cook.Inside was $300 saved for an upcoming trip to Payson so Cook's 4-year-old daughter, Cloi, could see her grandparents.
Cook went home to Gilbert and back to Scottsdale but could not find the wallet."At that point I figured it was gone. I had already canceled my credit cards, my daughter's bawling in the back seat because I told her we weren't going to Payson," she said.
"Suddenly I saw a thing there and I pulled the car nearby and I pick it up and there's a wallet," said Javier Del Carpio, who was at the Kidsfest with his family as well. Del Carpio immediately started brainstorming how he could return the wallet to its rightful owner."Part of me was thinking I could mail it tomorrow and my wife said you know if I was in that situation I would be relieved if I could get it today," said Del Carpio.
So on Sunday night, Del Carpio went the extra mile, well, 36 miles to be exact. He drove from his home in north Scottsdale to Cook's in Gilbert. Cook was still out retracing her steps so Del Carpio taped a business card to her garage door and stayed in the area. Cook drove up about a half hour later. "I went over and I pulled it down and I couldn't believe what I was reading.
Not only did Del Carpio drive to Gilbert, he knocked on neighbors doors so Cook would be sure to get the message and know that her wallet was safe. "I was really starting to think that there weren't any nice people left and it restored my faith. All the money was still inside, all $300, all my gift cards, credit cards, nothing had been touched," said Cook. That meant Cloi could go to Payson. "I went fishing with my grandpa," said Cloi, who is so bubbly you have to watch the video version of this story to see it for yourself.
Cook emailed CBS 5 and nominated Del Carpio for our Pay It Forward segment. We surprised him in Scottsdale with the $500 reward. And then, Cloi finally got to give Del Carpio the picture she made for him.
To watch the video, please go to: http://www.kpho.com/story/15767005/pay-it-forward-scottsdale-man-goes-extra-mile-to-return-lost-wallet?hpt=us_bn7
Source: KPHO.COM
"I put my wallet on top of the stroller and when I put the stroller in the car it must have fallen out," said Cook.Inside was $300 saved for an upcoming trip to Payson so Cook's 4-year-old daughter, Cloi, could see her grandparents.
Cook went home to Gilbert and back to Scottsdale but could not find the wallet."At that point I figured it was gone. I had already canceled my credit cards, my daughter's bawling in the back seat because I told her we weren't going to Payson," she said.
"Suddenly I saw a thing there and I pulled the car nearby and I pick it up and there's a wallet," said Javier Del Carpio, who was at the Kidsfest with his family as well. Del Carpio immediately started brainstorming how he could return the wallet to its rightful owner."Part of me was thinking I could mail it tomorrow and my wife said you know if I was in that situation I would be relieved if I could get it today," said Del Carpio.
So on Sunday night, Del Carpio went the extra mile, well, 36 miles to be exact. He drove from his home in north Scottsdale to Cook's in Gilbert. Cook was still out retracing her steps so Del Carpio taped a business card to her garage door and stayed in the area. Cook drove up about a half hour later. "I went over and I pulled it down and I couldn't believe what I was reading.
Not only did Del Carpio drive to Gilbert, he knocked on neighbors doors so Cook would be sure to get the message and know that her wallet was safe. "I was really starting to think that there weren't any nice people left and it restored my faith. All the money was still inside, all $300, all my gift cards, credit cards, nothing had been touched," said Cook. That meant Cloi could go to Payson. "I went fishing with my grandpa," said Cloi, who is so bubbly you have to watch the video version of this story to see it for yourself.
Cook emailed CBS 5 and nominated Del Carpio for our Pay It Forward segment. We surprised him in Scottsdale with the $500 reward. And then, Cloi finally got to give Del Carpio the picture she made for him.
To watch the video, please go to: http://www.kpho.com/story/15767005/pay-it-forward-scottsdale-man-goes-extra-mile-to-return-lost-wallet?hpt=us_bn7
Source: KPHO.COM
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Man Stops Runaway Bus And Saves Driver
Emergency crews pulled up to a frantic scene at Elm Grove Road and Bluemound last Thursday. There was a bus in the middle of the road, the driver laying on the ground and another man pumping his chest. "From my standpoint, I just believe in providence," said witness Matt Collins. "We were supposed to be there at the right time."
Collins and his business partner, Damon Padovano, were waiting to turn left at the intersection that morning. "We were wondering, What is the bus doing, why isn't it stopping? Then we were like, there is no bus driver," said Padovano.
They pulled out of the way. Collins jumped out of the car and jumped up onto the bus. That's when he saw the driver, slumped over. "I braked and slowed down the bus, stopped it, threw it in park, checked for a pulse," said Collins.
Collins couldn't find a pulse. But he did find something else, two special needs kids on board. He concentrated first on the driver. He pulled the man out of the bus and started CPR. Rescue crews eventually took over, and the bus driver was revived. Thankfully, Padovano and Collins say, the kids seemed unaware and unaffected. But Collins refuses to take any credit for saving anyone. He points to his former friend and business partner James Shore, who died in the Arizona sweat lodge incident while trying to rescue others.
"That's an actual hero or someone who's in the buildings in 911 or is actually in peril," said Collins, "I wasn't in any peril at all."
To watch the video, please go to http://www.wisn.com/r/29249709/detail.html
Source: WISN.COM
Collins and his business partner, Damon Padovano, were waiting to turn left at the intersection that morning. "We were wondering, What is the bus doing, why isn't it stopping? Then we were like, there is no bus driver," said Padovano.
They pulled out of the way. Collins jumped out of the car and jumped up onto the bus. That's when he saw the driver, slumped over. "I braked and slowed down the bus, stopped it, threw it in park, checked for a pulse," said Collins.
Collins couldn't find a pulse. But he did find something else, two special needs kids on board. He concentrated first on the driver. He pulled the man out of the bus and started CPR. Rescue crews eventually took over, and the bus driver was revived. Thankfully, Padovano and Collins say, the kids seemed unaware and unaffected. But Collins refuses to take any credit for saving anyone. He points to his former friend and business partner James Shore, who died in the Arizona sweat lodge incident while trying to rescue others.
"That's an actual hero or someone who's in the buildings in 911 or is actually in peril," said Collins, "I wasn't in any peril at all."
To watch the video, please go to http://www.wisn.com/r/29249709/detail.html
Source: WISN.COM
Monday, August 22, 2011
A Ramadan Story Of Two Faiths Bound In Friendship
It's Ramadan, the month-long holiday when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk as a way to cleanse the soul and reflect on their relationship with God. The faithful usually flock to their local mosques for prayer during the holiday, but last year, the Muslims of Cordova, Tenn., just outside Memphis, didn't have a place to go.
That's when Pastor Steve Stone put an unusual sign outside his church."It said, 'Welcome to the neighborhood, Memphis Islamic Center,'" he laughs. "It's been seen all over the world, now."
Stone invited the Muslim community to celebrate their holiday inside his church while their own cultural center was under construction nearby. It was the beginning of an unusual alliance that's still strong a year later.
To read the full story, please go to: http://www.npr.org/2011/08/21/139831309/a-ramadan-story-of-two-faiths-bound-in-friendship
You can also listen to the interview by clicking on "Listen to the Story" or by going to: http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=139831309&m=139836422
That's when Pastor Steve Stone put an unusual sign outside his church."It said, 'Welcome to the neighborhood, Memphis Islamic Center,'" he laughs. "It's been seen all over the world, now."
Stone invited the Muslim community to celebrate their holiday inside his church while their own cultural center was under construction nearby. It was the beginning of an unusual alliance that's still strong a year later.
To read the full story, please go to: http://www.npr.org/2011/08/21/139831309/a-ramadan-story-of-two-faiths-bound-in-friendship
You can also listen to the interview by clicking on "Listen to the Story" or by going to: http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=139831309&m=139836422
Monday, August 15, 2011
Wounded Warrior Gets Hot New Set Of Wheels
LONG BEACH — Staff Sergeant Guillermo Tejeda lost both his legs to an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) in Afghanistan.Driving, it would seem, would be more than just a bit of a challenge. Not for some local students — also veterans — who wanted to find a way to honor a hero. So, they designed and customized a hot Camaro (make that very hot! red and black!) so Tejada could drive using hand controls.
Tejeda had been confined to a wheelchair since he was wounded. But now he’s got some wheels that can really move. The four students (two Marines, one Navy vet and an Army vet) on the project, all are students, or graduates, of Wyotech in Long Beach.
When he first saw his souped-up car, Tejeda acknowledges that he was moved to tears.
Marine veteran Tom Stein who works with Wyotech explains, Tejada paid a huge price for his country, so the school and the Semper Fi Fund, have no problem giving back to him.
Tejada will use that car to get around … and train for more Marine Corps work. He’s already served 12 years but wants to serve for at least eight more.
To watch the video, please go to: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/08/14/wounded-warrior-gets-hot-new-set-of-wheels/?hpt=us_bn7
Source: CBS, LA
Tejeda had been confined to a wheelchair since he was wounded. But now he’s got some wheels that can really move. The four students (two Marines, one Navy vet and an Army vet) on the project, all are students, or graduates, of Wyotech in Long Beach.
When he first saw his souped-up car, Tejeda acknowledges that he was moved to tears.
Marine veteran Tom Stein who works with Wyotech explains, Tejada paid a huge price for his country, so the school and the Semper Fi Fund, have no problem giving back to him.
Tejada will use that car to get around … and train for more Marine Corps work. He’s already served 12 years but wants to serve for at least eight more.
To watch the video, please go to: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/08/14/wounded-warrior-gets-hot-new-set-of-wheels/?hpt=us_bn7
Source: CBS, LA
Friday, August 12, 2011
Forgiveness
In 2008 former freelance journalist Amanda Lindhout traveled to Somalia to research a story on the millions of people affected by two decades of war, drought and famine. Kidnapped by teenage criminals outside of the capital city, Mogadishu, Lindhout spent 15 months enduring unimaginable hardships as a hostage in one of the world's poorest countries. “I’ve been kept in a dark, windowless room in chains, without any clean drinking water and little or no food. I've been very sick for months without any medicine." she said.
15 months after the kidnapping, Lindhout's kidnappers released her. A ransom was paid with money raised through friends, families, and other supporters from Canada and Australia. After suffering the ordeal she went through when she was held as a captive she had no plans to return to Somalia but a visit to a Somali refugee camp inside Kenya changed her mind. The vision of malnourished children and women motivated her to work on her new project to deliver food aid to Somalia. Only four months after returning home, Lindhout founded the Global Enrichment Foundation and established the Somali Women's Scholarship Program to ignite female leadership in Somalia through university education. Her travels to over 50 countries - including Iraq and Afghanistan - have given Lindhout a unique and nuanced understanding of the consequences of the depravations caused by war and the subsequent effects on women. She is passionate about sharing her message of forgiveness and about creating awareness of the opportunities each individual has to create sustainable change in the world.
15 months after the kidnapping, Lindhout's kidnappers released her. A ransom was paid with money raised through friends, families, and other supporters from Canada and Australia. After suffering the ordeal she went through when she was held as a captive she had no plans to return to Somalia but a visit to a Somali refugee camp inside Kenya changed her mind. The vision of malnourished children and women motivated her to work on her new project to deliver food aid to Somalia. Only four months after returning home, Lindhout founded the Global Enrichment Foundation and established the Somali Women's Scholarship Program to ignite female leadership in Somalia through university education. Her travels to over 50 countries - including Iraq and Afghanistan - have given Lindhout a unique and nuanced understanding of the consequences of the depravations caused by war and the subsequent effects on women. She is passionate about sharing her message of forgiveness and about creating awareness of the opportunities each individual has to create sustainable change in the world.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Good Samaritan Saves Officer Under Attack
ATLANTA -- An Atlanta police officer was hurt when she was attacked by a man in the middle of the street, officials said. Police were called to Martin Luther King Drive near Philips Arena. Investigators said Officer Navada Stucking was driving toward police headquarters when the man started kicking her police car.
"He appeared to be demented," said Capt. Barry Shaw. "She pepper sprayed him, and it didn't have any effect on the guy at all."
Michael Reed was driving his truck on Techwood Drive, saw the attack and decided to help. "He just kept hitting her in the head," said Reed "He grabbed her hair and I had already got out of the vehicle when he grabbed her. By the time I got there, he had beat her down to the ground. That's when I tackled him and I held him," Reed said.
Stucking was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital with several bruises, police said. Reed suffered a few cuts on his hands.
"We were so fortunate to have this man on the scene. He was a blessing, a blessing in disguise," Shaw told Coleman.
Police detained the suspect, Efrem Thurmond, on the side of the road. Officers repeatedly doused the man with water while they tended to the officer in near 100-degree temperatures. He was taken to the hospital for a mental evaluation.
"He appeared to be demented," said Capt. Barry Shaw. "She pepper sprayed him, and it didn't have any effect on the guy at all."
Michael Reed was driving his truck on Techwood Drive, saw the attack and decided to help. "He just kept hitting her in the head," said Reed "He grabbed her hair and I had already got out of the vehicle when he grabbed her. By the time I got there, he had beat her down to the ground. That's when I tackled him and I held him," Reed said.
Stucking was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital with several bruises, police said. Reed suffered a few cuts on his hands.
"We were so fortunate to have this man on the scene. He was a blessing, a blessing in disguise," Shaw told Coleman.
Police detained the suspect, Efrem Thurmond, on the side of the road. Officers repeatedly doused the man with water while they tended to the officer in near 100-degree temperatures. He was taken to the hospital for a mental evaluation.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Swim lessons key for young lifesaver
LEBANON, Ind. (WISH) - An 8-year-old Lebanon boy who jumped into a pool to save his 2-year-old sister is spreading the message that swimming lessons save lives.The young hero, Christopher Mathews, talked Tuesday with 24-Hour News 8 reporter Daniel Miller. He’s your typical third-grader who loves being in the water.
"I really like swimming," he said.Christoper was in his back yard celebrating after a party. But the excitement changed to worry when his sister Kenslei went missing.
The 2-year-old girl was at the bottom of the family's swimming pool. Christopher said his was a simple choice: "I looked in the pool, and I saw her, and I jumped in and saved her." Christopher’s quick thinking likely saved his little sister’s life.
"When the first crew got here,” Lebanon Fire Department Lt. Tim Davis said, “the little girl was breathing on her own.”
Christopher received a certificate of achievement from the Lebanon Fire Department for saving his sister’s life.
To read the full story, please go to: http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/local/north_central/swim-lessons-key-for-young-lifesaver?hpt=us_bn6
"I really like swimming," he said.Christoper was in his back yard celebrating after a party. But the excitement changed to worry when his sister Kenslei went missing.
The 2-year-old girl was at the bottom of the family's swimming pool. Christopher said his was a simple choice: "I looked in the pool, and I saw her, and I jumped in and saved her." Christopher’s quick thinking likely saved his little sister’s life.
"When the first crew got here,” Lebanon Fire Department Lt. Tim Davis said, “the little girl was breathing on her own.”
Christopher received a certificate of achievement from the Lebanon Fire Department for saving his sister’s life.
To read the full story, please go to: http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/local/north_central/swim-lessons-key-for-young-lifesaver?hpt=us_bn6
Monday, June 20, 2011
A Brave Child
Whatever else he did, 10-year-old Tom Phillips knew he wasn't allowed to drive the tractor at his family farm in Abergavenny, in Southern Wales. But when he saw his father under attack from 2,000 pound bull, he figured it was time to break the rules.
Tom Started up the tractor and used it to nudge the angry beast away.
His father was rushed to the hospital, and is recovering from 10 broken ribs. "I was a bit worried about driving the tractor," Tom said, "but I just did what I had to do. I'm glad my dad is going to be all right."
Source: The Week magazine
Tom Started up the tractor and used it to nudge the angry beast away.
His father was rushed to the hospital, and is recovering from 10 broken ribs. "I was a bit worried about driving the tractor," Tom said, "but I just did what I had to do. I'm glad my dad is going to be all right."
Source: The Week magazine
Thursday, June 16, 2011
12-year-old receives wheelchair after outpour of support
12-year-old Olivia Golembiewski is a happy girl again thanks to a wheelchair and a concerned neighbor. Olivia has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and needs a wheelchair to get around school.
This morning, her father put her specially made chair outside their Wissonoming home. Just a few minutes passed before he carried his daughter out to catch the school bus and the chair was gone.
Seconds after Action News at 6 aired Olivia's story, generous viewers called in offering to donate wheelchairs. One of them, Joan Heim, lives a few houses away from Olivia. She had a spare wheelchair she couldn't wait to give to the girl.
As Action News was interviewing Olivia's father Wednesday night, an employee of a nearby business, Unlimited Total Home Improvements, showed up with a $300 check to help the family.
"It's a shame, I drive by here every day and I see the hardship; it's beautiful, the inspiration people are doing," Richard Young of Unlimited Total Home Improvements said.
Because of the outpouring of support, Olivia will be able to attend her brother's high school graduation tomorrow.
To read the full story, please go to: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=8192793&hpt=us_bn4
Source: 6abc.com
This morning, her father put her specially made chair outside their Wissonoming home. Just a few minutes passed before he carried his daughter out to catch the school bus and the chair was gone.
Seconds after Action News at 6 aired Olivia's story, generous viewers called in offering to donate wheelchairs. One of them, Joan Heim, lives a few houses away from Olivia. She had a spare wheelchair she couldn't wait to give to the girl.
As Action News was interviewing Olivia's father Wednesday night, an employee of a nearby business, Unlimited Total Home Improvements, showed up with a $300 check to help the family.
"It's a shame, I drive by here every day and I see the hardship; it's beautiful, the inspiration people are doing," Richard Young of Unlimited Total Home Improvements said.
Because of the outpouring of support, Olivia will be able to attend her brother's high school graduation tomorrow.
To read the full story, please go to: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=8192793&hpt=us_bn4
Source: 6abc.com
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Cameron Woman Becomes Humble Hero
Cameron, N.Y. - Laurie Eldridge lives in Cameron just a few yards from very busy train tracks. Monday, had she not been doing garden work with her mom, Arlene, 81-year old, Angeline Pascucci, might not be alive.
Eldridge said, “I didn't think. I just reacted. I'm sure it was what anybody else would do.”
Laurie’s mom, Arlene, said, “At first we thought it was a railroad truck. Generally, they drop their wheels to run the tracks. They do make a lot of noise. But then we saw the car.”
New York State police and fire officials say Pascucci had been shopping in Rochester. But she became extremely disoriented and somehow made her way down to Cameron. The 81-year-old tried to turned onto the train tracks and became stuck.
But a train was barreling towards her. Arlene Eldridge said, “It was terrifying. I don't ever want to have to experience it again.”
Laurie says she told Arlene to call 9-11. Then she ran to the tracks, barefoot, across a creak and found Pascucci, inside her car. Eldridge then pulled her out and dove into the bushes. She said, “I took her down over the bank, as far over as I could get her. I didn't know what else to do. I didn't know what was going to happen or where the car was going to go when the train hit.”
Pascucci's car was totaled. There's no question had Eldridge not pulled the 81-year-old to safety, she might not be alive, Monday.
But Eldridge says she's no hero. She's exceptionally humble and says she only did what anyone else would do. Eldridge said, “The fire department, the policemen, the ambulance crew, they do this everyday. I only did it once. They need more recognition than I do.”
But the president of the Cameron fire department disagrees. Dale Woodworth said, “We want to give Laurie a citizen’s award for her bravery and show the community what kind of people we have living here.”
Source: wetmtv.com
http://www.wetmtv.com/news/local/story/Cameron-Women-Becomes-Humble-Hero/V9N1FMnTF0WDxTQahmF8TQ.cspx?hpt=us_bn4
Eldridge said, “I didn't think. I just reacted. I'm sure it was what anybody else would do.”
Laurie’s mom, Arlene, said, “At first we thought it was a railroad truck. Generally, they drop their wheels to run the tracks. They do make a lot of noise. But then we saw the car.”
New York State police and fire officials say Pascucci had been shopping in Rochester. But she became extremely disoriented and somehow made her way down to Cameron. The 81-year-old tried to turned onto the train tracks and became stuck.
But a train was barreling towards her. Arlene Eldridge said, “It was terrifying. I don't ever want to have to experience it again.”
Laurie says she told Arlene to call 9-11. Then she ran to the tracks, barefoot, across a creak and found Pascucci, inside her car. Eldridge then pulled her out and dove into the bushes. She said, “I took her down over the bank, as far over as I could get her. I didn't know what else to do. I didn't know what was going to happen or where the car was going to go when the train hit.”
Pascucci's car was totaled. There's no question had Eldridge not pulled the 81-year-old to safety, she might not be alive, Monday.
But Eldridge says she's no hero. She's exceptionally humble and says she only did what anyone else would do. Eldridge said, “The fire department, the policemen, the ambulance crew, they do this everyday. I only did it once. They need more recognition than I do.”
But the president of the Cameron fire department disagrees. Dale Woodworth said, “We want to give Laurie a citizen’s award for her bravery and show the community what kind of people we have living here.”
Source: wetmtv.com
http://www.wetmtv.com/news/local/story/Cameron-Women-Becomes-Humble-Hero/V9N1FMnTF0WDxTQahmF8TQ.cspx?hpt=us_bn4
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Man gets surgery to save sister's life
A South Florida man went under the knife to save his sister's life.
Ana Torres quickly tears up when she talks about her younger brother, Michael. "All along, I knew I was going to be fine. I just knew I was," said Torres.
The 53-year-old has been battling lymphoma for several years, and she now has the chance to say goodbye to cancer. Torres is in desperate need of a stem cell transplant. Her brother Michael is her only match. "He was a match, and I was like, I can't begin to tell you," she said.
Michael was ready to help, but doctors said at almost 450 pounds, the procedure could cost him his life.
To read the full story, please go to: http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/21004510218649/#?hpt=us_bn5
Ana Torres quickly tears up when she talks about her younger brother, Michael. "All along, I knew I was going to be fine. I just knew I was," said Torres.
The 53-year-old has been battling lymphoma for several years, and she now has the chance to say goodbye to cancer. Torres is in desperate need of a stem cell transplant. Her brother Michael is her only match. "He was a match, and I was like, I can't begin to tell you," she said.
Michael was ready to help, but doctors said at almost 450 pounds, the procedure could cost him his life.
To read the full story, please go to: http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/21004510218649/#?hpt=us_bn5
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Khan Academy - Free Education For All
What started out as Sal making a few algebra videos for his cousins has grown to over 2,100 videos and 100 self-paced exercises and assessments covering everything from arithmetic to physics, finance, and history.
The Khan Academy is an organization on a mission. The goal is changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education to anyone anywhere.
All of the site's resources are available to anyone. It doesn't matter if you are a student, teacher, home-schooler, principal, adult returning to the classroom after 20years, or a friendly alien just trying to get a leg up in earthly biology. The Khan Academy's materials and resources are available to you completely free of charge.
The library of videos covers K-12 math, science topics such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and even reaches into the humanities with playlists on finance and history. Each video is a digestible chunk, approximately 10 minutes long, and especially purposed for viewing on the computer.
To learn more about Khan Academy, please go to www.khanacademy.org
The Khan Academy is an organization on a mission. The goal is changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education to anyone anywhere.
All of the site's resources are available to anyone. It doesn't matter if you are a student, teacher, home-schooler, principal, adult returning to the classroom after 20years, or a friendly alien just trying to get a leg up in earthly biology. The Khan Academy's materials and resources are available to you completely free of charge.
The library of videos covers K-12 math, science topics such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and even reaches into the humanities with playlists on finance and history. Each video is a digestible chunk, approximately 10 minutes long, and especially purposed for viewing on the computer.
To learn more about Khan Academy, please go to www.khanacademy.org
Friday, June 3, 2011
Boy Takes Hit To Keep Friend Out Of Harm's Way
A quick-thinking 5th grader being called a hero after saving a 4-year-old from being run over by a truck and taking the hit himself.
"The truck pulled around the corner, and it pulled up in the driveway and just hit me,” said 12-year-old Ryan Curtis as he described the crash scene.
He wasn't the only one riding his go-cart last week when he was hit by a car in his neighbor’s driveway. Ryan's 4-year-old friend was along for what turned out to be a rough ride. "I’m like, ‘It’s gonna hit me and this kid, I should push him off real fast,’ and so I did," said Ryan.
To read the full story, please go to: http://www.wnem.com/news/28099935/detail.html?hpt=us_bn4
Source: WNEM.COM
"The truck pulled around the corner, and it pulled up in the driveway and just hit me,” said 12-year-old Ryan Curtis as he described the crash scene.
He wasn't the only one riding his go-cart last week when he was hit by a car in his neighbor’s driveway. Ryan's 4-year-old friend was along for what turned out to be a rough ride. "I’m like, ‘It’s gonna hit me and this kid, I should push him off real fast,’ and so I did," said Ryan.
To read the full story, please go to: http://www.wnem.com/news/28099935/detail.html?hpt=us_bn4
Source: WNEM.COM
Castle Rock children raise money for Joplin tornado victims
Couple of Castle Rock fifth graders have done some impressive fundraising to help the people of Joplin, Missouri.
Eleven year olds Ryan Remy and Jake Austin say they felt bad for Joplin after seeing the tornado devastation on the news. So they decided to make duct tape bracelets, sell them for 50 cents each and donate the money to the Red Cross.
They started last Friday, after getting the okay from the principal at Soaring Hawk Elementary School in Castle Rock. They figured they’d sell a few dozen.
No one expected sales to take off the way they have. So far, the boys have sold more than 1,000 duct tape bracelets, raising over $600.
Friends have been helping to make the bracelets and parents and teachers have donated colorful duct tape.They will be turning the money over to the Red Cross Tuesday. But the principal says anyone can place on order in the next couple of days by contacting Soaring Hawk Elementary School.
Source: Fox 31 Denver
Eleven year olds Ryan Remy and Jake Austin say they felt bad for Joplin after seeing the tornado devastation on the news. So they decided to make duct tape bracelets, sell them for 50 cents each and donate the money to the Red Cross.
They started last Friday, after getting the okay from the principal at Soaring Hawk Elementary School in Castle Rock. They figured they’d sell a few dozen.
No one expected sales to take off the way they have. So far, the boys have sold more than 1,000 duct tape bracelets, raising over $600.
Friends have been helping to make the bracelets and parents and teachers have donated colorful duct tape.They will be turning the money over to the Red Cross Tuesday. But the principal says anyone can place on order in the next couple of days by contacting Soaring Hawk Elementary School.
Source: Fox 31 Denver
Friday, May 27, 2011
Autistic Teen Beats The Odds
Students across the state have walked across the stage or soon will, celebrating the end of their high school careers. One Little Rock Hall High student's road to graduation meant beating the odds -- and a life-changing diagnosis.
At just two years of age, doctors were already writing off Alexander Myers.According to his mother, Veronica Tess, they said, "'It is ineveitable he will be institutionalized.' They say by the time he's in middle school, you won't be abale to let him live with you that the behaviors would have gotten that far out of wack. I was determined that would not be the case."
Instead of resigning to the diagnosis, the singer mother focuses on helping him learn how to function in society from counting his money to ordering his own food.
She's even walked side-by-side with him to school almost every day since kindergarten. "All of my time is consumed with autism and Alexander," she says.
On their journey, Alexander has become more independent and caring than his diagnosis implied was possible. After years of hard work, finally the moment they've been preparing for: Wednesday night, he graduated -- on time as a 17-year-old.
"He ran his hand down my face," Veronica says, "and asked me, 'Happy, happy, happy,' so that lets me know he knows something's going on." She admits their journey hasn't been easy, but seeing her son decked out in his cap and gown complete with medallions alongside his classmates makes every moment worth it.
"If there was one thing I wanted people to know about Alexander," she says, "or the situation with autism, the war with autism, is not to underestimate; set your expectations high and just be determined to be as consistent as possible and persistent in accomplishing that goal."
Though Alexander's now done with high school, he has by no means reached the end of his road. Veronica says she's preparing him for his next step in life: college courses.
Source: Arkansasmatters.com
At just two years of age, doctors were already writing off Alexander Myers.According to his mother, Veronica Tess, they said, "'It is ineveitable he will be institutionalized.' They say by the time he's in middle school, you won't be abale to let him live with you that the behaviors would have gotten that far out of wack. I was determined that would not be the case."
Instead of resigning to the diagnosis, the singer mother focuses on helping him learn how to function in society from counting his money to ordering his own food.
She's even walked side-by-side with him to school almost every day since kindergarten. "All of my time is consumed with autism and Alexander," she says.
On their journey, Alexander has become more independent and caring than his diagnosis implied was possible. After years of hard work, finally the moment they've been preparing for: Wednesday night, he graduated -- on time as a 17-year-old.
"He ran his hand down my face," Veronica says, "and asked me, 'Happy, happy, happy,' so that lets me know he knows something's going on." She admits their journey hasn't been easy, but seeing her son decked out in his cap and gown complete with medallions alongside his classmates makes every moment worth it.
"If there was one thing I wanted people to know about Alexander," she says, "or the situation with autism, the war with autism, is not to underestimate; set your expectations high and just be determined to be as consistent as possible and persistent in accomplishing that goal."
Though Alexander's now done with high school, he has by no means reached the end of his road. Veronica says she's preparing him for his next step in life: college courses.
Source: Arkansasmatters.com
Thursday, May 26, 2011
It Wasn't All Bad
A teenager who found $2,000 and handed it to the authorities was rewarded for her honesty. When Ashley Donaldson, 15, found the money in a North Dallas parking lot earlier this year, police said it would be hers if no one claimed it within three months.
When the time came, she was told the city would keep the money after all. The resulting media outcry prompted an unnamed donor to reward Donaldson with $4,000. Then the city reconsidered, leaving the honest teen $6,000 better off.
Source: The Weekly Magazine
When the time came, she was told the city would keep the money after all. The resulting media outcry prompted an unnamed donor to reward Donaldson with $4,000. Then the city reconsidered, leaving the honest teen $6,000 better off.
Source: The Weekly Magazine
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Neighbor Saves Family From Fire
ELK GROVE, Calif. -- Cosumnes River firefighters are crediting an Elk Grove neighbor who spotted a house fire on his way to work and helped the family get out safely.
The fire broke out on AmyJan Court in Elk Grove at 4 a.m. on Monday.
Fire officials said a man driving by called 911, woke up the family inside, and grabbed a water hose to try to put out the flames shooting out from the exterior of the home.
When firefighters arrived they were able to knock down the flames and prevented it from spreading inside.
A family of three people and two dogs were shaken but not hurt.
Jennifer Stanley said she and her parents are grateful to the neighbor who woke them up.
Source: KCRA.com
The fire broke out on AmyJan Court in Elk Grove at 4 a.m. on Monday.
Fire officials said a man driving by called 911, woke up the family inside, and grabbed a water hose to try to put out the flames shooting out from the exterior of the home.
When firefighters arrived they were able to knock down the flames and prevented it from spreading inside.
A family of three people and two dogs were shaken but not hurt.
Jennifer Stanley said she and her parents are grateful to the neighbor who woke them up.
Source: KCRA.com
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Louisiana Scouts Rescued From Arkansas Wilderness Area
A National Guard helicopter plucked six stranded Louisiana Boy Scouts from a southwest Arkansas forest Tuesday morning and delivered them safely to nervous parents waiting at a camp supply store nearby.
The boys and two adult leaders had been missing since Sunday, when rising water cut off their exit from the Albert Pike Recreation Area. Twenty people died in flash floods here last June 11, and the boys' parents had prayed and paced since arriving in the area Monday.
The helicopter crew spotted a campfire and some of the Scouts overnight Monday, then headed out again at first light.
"Our pilots had to wait on sunlight to be able to get in and land. We just got in and pulled them out," Maj. Chris Heathscott said in an email to The Associated Press.
The parents waited Monday night at a local church, in a scene eerily similar to one nearly a year before. Families, miles away from home, waited with pastor Graig Cowart for news on whether their loved ones had survived the rising water.
"These people are really hurting," he said. "They felt really alone and isolated."
Cowart led the families in prayer, calling out the names of the stranded boys and asking for their safety. Relatives joined hands.
Some cried. Some held each other. Cowart recited the last verse of the 27th Psalm, which says: "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
To read the full story, please visit: http://www.npr.org/2011/05/03/135948326/relatives-pray-for-6-scouts-missing-in-arkansas-forest
The boys and two adult leaders had been missing since Sunday, when rising water cut off their exit from the Albert Pike Recreation Area. Twenty people died in flash floods here last June 11, and the boys' parents had prayed and paced since arriving in the area Monday.
The helicopter crew spotted a campfire and some of the Scouts overnight Monday, then headed out again at first light.
"Our pilots had to wait on sunlight to be able to get in and land. We just got in and pulled them out," Maj. Chris Heathscott said in an email to The Associated Press.
The parents waited Monday night at a local church, in a scene eerily similar to one nearly a year before. Families, miles away from home, waited with pastor Graig Cowart for news on whether their loved ones had survived the rising water.
"These people are really hurting," he said. "They felt really alone and isolated."
Cowart led the families in prayer, calling out the names of the stranded boys and asking for their safety. Relatives joined hands.
Some cried. Some held each other. Cowart recited the last verse of the 27th Psalm, which says: "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
To read the full story, please visit: http://www.npr.org/2011/05/03/135948326/relatives-pray-for-6-scouts-missing-in-arkansas-forest
Monday, May 2, 2011
It happened in Miami
Helen Beard, a British tourist visiting Miami, who saw a screaming 1-year-old girl hanging from a fourth-floor hotel balcony, ran over, and caught her as she fell.
Source: The Week Magazine
Source: The Week Magazine
Sunday, May 1, 2011
It's Good To Know Another Language
Oh yeah, I saved a woman yesterday from a criminal and potential rapist in Hebrew! I overheard her saying that she is from Israel.
She was on a blind date with this street-thug at the Barnes and Noble I hang out at, and I couldn't help but overhear that he was a gangmember, been in jail, and lost his license due to drunk driving. I started speaking to her in Hebrew and warned her that he was a dangerous person and that he only wanted sex from her.
She hadn't understood a lot of the slang he was using, so she hadn't known how bad he was until I told her right in front of him!
She was on a blind date with this street-thug at the Barnes and Noble I hang out at, and I couldn't help but overhear that he was a gangmember, been in jail, and lost his license due to drunk driving. I started speaking to her in Hebrew and warned her that he was a dangerous person and that he only wanted sex from her.
She hadn't understood a lot of the slang he was using, so she hadn't known how bad he was until I told her right in front of him!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
A Quick Thinking Driver
The quick thinking driver of a milk tanker in Northern Ireland saved the lives of two car crash victims trapped in a burning car by dousing the flames with milk. When he came across the crash scene, Michael Coyle positioned his truck so he could hose the fire from the tank's rear valve.
Firefighters and ambulance arrived on the scene, rescued the trapped men, and took them to the hospital, where they were listed in stable condition. "it was down to the driver's actions that the two men were saved," said fire official Martin Jeffrey.
Source: The Week Magazine - April 29
Firefighters and ambulance arrived on the scene, rescued the trapped men, and took them to the hospital, where they were listed in stable condition. "it was down to the driver's actions that the two men were saved," said fire official Martin Jeffrey.
Source: The Week Magazine - April 29
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Grandmother helping Chicago kids 'off the block'
In Roseland, one of Chicago's most dangerous neighborhoods, many residents stay off the streets to protect themselves from rampant gang violence.
But one grandmother opened her door and invited gang members to come inside.
"They say I'm a nut because I let kids into my home who I didn't even know," said Diane Latiker, 54. "But I know (the kids) now. And I'll know the new generation."
Since 2003, Latiker has gotten to know more than 1,500 young people through her nonprofit community program, Kids Off the Block. And she hopes that by providing them with support and a place to go, she is also bringing hope to a community in crisis.
"We are losing a generation to violence," said Latiker, who started the program in her living room.
According to Chicago Public Schools, 140 of its students have been shot since the school year started in September.
"How can a kid get a gun like he can get a pack of gum? It's that crazy," Latiker said.
Latiker, a mother of eight and grandmother to 13, has lived in Roseland for 22 years. She said she was once "young and dumb," dropping out of high school and having seven children by age 25. But she said that by 36, she had turned her life around: She got remarried and earned her GED. She had also given birth to her eighth child, Aisha.
To read the follow story, please go to:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/04/07/cnnheroes.latiker.roseland.youth/index.html
But one grandmother opened her door and invited gang members to come inside.
"They say I'm a nut because I let kids into my home who I didn't even know," said Diane Latiker, 54. "But I know (the kids) now. And I'll know the new generation."
Since 2003, Latiker has gotten to know more than 1,500 young people through her nonprofit community program, Kids Off the Block. And she hopes that by providing them with support and a place to go, she is also bringing hope to a community in crisis.
"We are losing a generation to violence," said Latiker, who started the program in her living room.
According to Chicago Public Schools, 140 of its students have been shot since the school year started in September.
"How can a kid get a gun like he can get a pack of gum? It's that crazy," Latiker said.
Latiker, a mother of eight and grandmother to 13, has lived in Roseland for 22 years. She said she was once "young and dumb," dropping out of high school and having seven children by age 25. But she said that by 36, she had turned her life around: She got remarried and earned her GED. She had also given birth to her eighth child, Aisha.
To read the follow story, please go to:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/04/07/cnnheroes.latiker.roseland.youth/index.html
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The Cash Box
Yekaterina Sheneyderova, a 22 year old student at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, was examining a cash box for sale at a local thrift store when she found something unexpected inside - $2000. "I saw the money and the envelope with an address and I thought it might be someone's life savings," she said. "I couldn't keep it." Sheneyderova gave the money to the store manager, Lance Letson, who returned it to the rightful owners, Ronald and Imogene Crowder. The Crowders gave Sheneyderova a $200 reward and the cash box.
Source: The Week Magazine
Source: The Week Magazine
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Parents Unite Across Violent Borders
With Middle East peace talks at a standstill, a group of activists is taking matters into its own hands. The Parents’ Circle Families Forum, a group comprising Palestinians and Israelis who have lost family members in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, aims to build a bridge between the two fractured communities.
"Waiting for our respective leaderships to forge peace will take too long," Israeli board director and forum member Rami Elchanan told IPS. "It is through the common people that we can consider a different tomorrow.
"We want to prevent further bereavement, in the absence of peace, to influence the public and the policy makers – to prefer the way of peace to the way of war, as well as educate for peace and reconciliation. We also want to promote the cessation of acts of hostility and the achievement of a political agreement and prevent the usage of bereavement as a means of expanding enmity between our peoples," said Elchanan.
Every week members of the Parents’ Circle Families Forum give talks at schools, universities, hotels and other venues to Israelis, Palestinians and foreigners. The group also holds summer camps, offers youth leadershp seminars and its public and media activities consist of TV and radio programmes and documentaries.
To read the full article, please go to:
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=54028
"Waiting for our respective leaderships to forge peace will take too long," Israeli board director and forum member Rami Elchanan told IPS. "It is through the common people that we can consider a different tomorrow.
"We want to prevent further bereavement, in the absence of peace, to influence the public and the policy makers – to prefer the way of peace to the way of war, as well as educate for peace and reconciliation. We also want to promote the cessation of acts of hostility and the achievement of a political agreement and prevent the usage of bereavement as a means of expanding enmity between our peoples," said Elchanan.
Every week members of the Parents’ Circle Families Forum give talks at schools, universities, hotels and other venues to Israelis, Palestinians and foreigners. The group also holds summer camps, offers youth leadershp seminars and its public and media activities consist of TV and radio programmes and documentaries.
To read the full article, please go to:
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=54028
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Do not give up hope
In 1987, an anguished, trembling Joy White pleaded for someone to help her find her infant daughter."I hope she's all right," the heartbroken mother told reporters at the time before collapsing in tears. Now, 23 years later, White is crying tears of joy as the decades-long mystery of her missing daughter reached a happy ending.
The saga started on August 4, 1987, when White took her sick baby, Carlina, to a Harlem hospital because of an extremely high fever, a New York police official said.
Carlina was admitted in the hospital and White went home to rest. When the mother returned, Carlina was gone.
Years passed as White searched for her daughter, all the time holding onto a photograph of a baby girl she had only held for three weeks.On January 4, White's phone rang. The woman on the other end of the line said she was Carlina, and she sent White a picture taken in 1987.
The face in the photograph bore a striking resemblance to that of the baby in the tattered picture White had held on to.Police too agreed that the photographs looked alike and carried out a DNA test. On Tuesday, the results came back -- and they were a match.
"Carlina was a missing link," Pat Conway, Carlina White's aunt told CNN affiliate WABC as she raised her hands in the air. "We have gotten her back. In the name of Jesus, Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah."
For her part, Carlina Renae White, had nursed a nagging feeling that she was raised by a family she did not belong to, said Ernie Allen from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Raised under a different name, Carlina grew suspicious when the woman who raised her could not provide her with a birth certificate. So she scoured the Internet for answers, stumbling on the website of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. There, she came across an item about a baby girl who had been taken from a New York hospital .
She called the center, which in turn notified authorities. Authorities are not saying much about the woman who raised Carlina White as they continue their investigation.
"I never gave up hope," Carlina White's grandmother, Elizabeth, told WABC. "It is like she has been around us all her life. She wasn't a stranger. She fit right in."
To watch the video, please go to: http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/20/new.york.missing.reunion/index.html?hpt=Sbin
The saga started on August 4, 1987, when White took her sick baby, Carlina, to a Harlem hospital because of an extremely high fever, a New York police official said.
Carlina was admitted in the hospital and White went home to rest. When the mother returned, Carlina was gone.
Years passed as White searched for her daughter, all the time holding onto a photograph of a baby girl she had only held for three weeks.On January 4, White's phone rang. The woman on the other end of the line said she was Carlina, and she sent White a picture taken in 1987.
The face in the photograph bore a striking resemblance to that of the baby in the tattered picture White had held on to.Police too agreed that the photographs looked alike and carried out a DNA test. On Tuesday, the results came back -- and they were a match.
"Carlina was a missing link," Pat Conway, Carlina White's aunt told CNN affiliate WABC as she raised her hands in the air. "We have gotten her back. In the name of Jesus, Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah."
For her part, Carlina Renae White, had nursed a nagging feeling that she was raised by a family she did not belong to, said Ernie Allen from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Raised under a different name, Carlina grew suspicious when the woman who raised her could not provide her with a birth certificate. So she scoured the Internet for answers, stumbling on the website of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. There, she came across an item about a baby girl who had been taken from a New York hospital .
She called the center, which in turn notified authorities. Authorities are not saying much about the woman who raised Carlina White as they continue their investigation.
"I never gave up hope," Carlina White's grandmother, Elizabeth, told WABC. "It is like she has been around us all her life. She wasn't a stranger. She fit right in."
To watch the video, please go to: http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/20/new.york.missing.reunion/index.html?hpt=Sbin
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