By Nanci Dixon
In the midst of an abundance of bad news – rising COVID numbers, unemployment, evictions, homelessness and hunger – some good news stories still bubble to the surface.
We find ourselves mostly posting bad, sad or frustrating news in our Sunday newsletter. It’s not our fault, of course, but we want to make sure you come here and smile too. That’s why we’re bringing you this “Good News” column.
24 VOLUNTEERS AND MORE THAN 9,000 POUNDS OF TRASH
The Tennessee River in Humphreys County, Tennessee, is a much cleaner place now due to the efforts of a small group of volunteers that removed more than 9,000 pounds of trash between October and January. Johnsonville State Historic Park and Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful combined efforts to organize the cleanup.
Editor’s Note: There are usually many trash cleanups listed on Facebook. Check events near you and see if there is one you could volunteer at! If not, why not carry one of these and a trash bag with you on your walks?
PATCHES THE CAT SURVIVES 3 YEARS ON HER OWN
Three years ago Patches the calico cat was presumed dead along with her owner, Josie Gower, in the terrible mudslide in Montecito, California. The debris flow followed the Thomas Fire burn scar and decimated homes and killed 13 people on January 9, 2018.
Patches was brought into a shelter as a stray in December, a microchip was discovered, and she was reunited with Josie’s partner, Norm. He had no idea that Patches was still alive or how she survived a mere quarter mile from the original house. They are thrilled to be reunited.
A DOCTOR WITH A VERY GENEROUS HEART
Dr. Omar Atiq, founder of Arkansas Cancer Clinic, is an oncologist with a very generous heart. He has never denied treatment to any of his patients, including those without insurance or those without a job or any savings.
Dr. Atiq is originally from Pakistan and went to Arkansas after his internship at New York City’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He has been named president of the Arkansas Medical Society and in 2018 became chairman-elect of the American College of Physicians.
Dr. Omar closed his clinic last year due to staffing shortages. When he closed, his patients owed the clinic a total of almost $650,000. As he attempted to settle the accounts, he realized that many had no means to pay, particularly with the COVID pandemic raging. He and his wife decided to forgive all the debt. He hopes that it gives his patients a sigh of relief as they face challenges in their life.
CARMINE IS DEDICATED TO SAFETY – INCLUDING HER MOM’S
”My mother can walk in that door any minute and there is absolutely no way, no how she is going to be catching any corona in my restaurant. It’s not going to happen.”
SAVING THE BIRDS ONE BLADE AT A TIME
As you safely pass the numerous wind turbines on your travels many birds are not as lucky to pass by unscathed. Smøla wind farm in Norway studied bird strikes for nine years and found that painting one of the blades black prevented up to 70% of bird strikes.
They believe that painting one of the blades black enabled the birds to see the turbine rather than just “motion smear”.
AIRBORNE AND NOT SO MUCH
This dog knows how to jump. Just watch that tail!
And sometimes you can never get airborne, no matter how great an example…
WATCHING OUT FOR YOUR BUDDIES
Even traditional enemies can watch out for each other. A lesson for today.
What could be cuter than dogs and babies, particularly when a dog sings to calm a crying baby?
ENDING THIS WEEK WITH A GOOD NEWS SMILE
This just proves that Elmo can bring us all some happiness. Have a great week!
Read last week’s Good News post here.
Hear a “Good News” story? Please use the form below to tell us about it. Include a website or link to a video. Thanks!
really good news thanks
Please keep them coming. As a community, we need more good news!
Thanks for publishing!
Now bring back Brain Teasers…Please.
And in the end of the story, you have a happy ending! Thank you