a COOL samaritan

Jacob Kroko, 23, was walking through a Walmart parking lot in Fredericksburg, VA when he noticed an envelope lying unattended. He picked the envelope up and was pleasantly surprised to find $1,000 in it. Jacob expresses the thought that was racing through his mind, "I could leave right now and I'm a thousand dollars richer." It didn't take long for him to have another thought, "What if I lost that money?" Jacob ended up walking the envelope with all the money still in it to the local police station. The police recognized Jacob's honesty on their blog and many locals are applauding his decision to do the cool thing. Here's to Jacob Kroko for being honest-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL! What would you do if you found an envelope with a substantial amount of money in it? How hard would it be to attempt to return it to the rightful owner?

a COOL week

February 11th through February 17th marks Random Acts of Kindness week. What a great week to get out, meet people, get out of the winter funk, and most importantly brighten someone's day with the smallest or biggest random act of kindness. If you need ideas visit the Random Act of Kindness Foundation's website www.randomactsofkindness.org. The Foundation "is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded upon the powerful belief in kindness and dedicated to providing resources and tools that encourage acts of kindness." On their site you can take a few minutes to read random acts of kindness stories or share your own. You can also read below and see some of the ideas the Foundation has for each day of the week. Here's to all of you that perform Rand Acts of Kindness this week and so on-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL! Monday, Feb 11—Smile at 10 strangers. Tuesday, Feb 12—Buy something for the person in the line behind you. Wednesday, Feb 13—Reach out to someone you haven't talked to in a while. Thursday, Feb 14—Bring a treat to a neighbor or your co-workers. Friday, Feb 15—Donate your time or money to a local charity. Saturday, Feb 16—Cook a healthy meal. Sunday, Feb 17—Let someone go in front of you in line. What does kindness mean to you? Tell of a time when you performed or received a random act of kindness.

a COOL mystery

This past Saturday, the Horry County Literacy Council in Myrtle Beach, SC held its primary annual fundraiser to bring awareness to the importance of reading and literacy. The Literacy Council held its seventh annual murder mystery dinner "Hulas and Homicide." To help make the mystery dinner a success a variety of local personalities signed up for roles in the play including a crew from WPDE-TV 15's news division. Joel Allen, a local reporter for WPDE enjoyed playing the role of detective in the mystery and loved having fun for a good cause, "It's something we all believe in, because reading and literacy are a real important cause for me, and for all of us." He expresses that the literacy council does a great job of trying to spread the love of reading around and realizes the impact reading could have on society, "I think if we could get more kids hooked on reading, instead of bullying and fighting, this would be a better world." Here's to Joel Allen and the rest of the cast that helped make "Hulas and Homicide" a successful fundraiser for the Horry Literacy Council in Myrtle Beach, SC-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL! Would you play a role in play for what you felt was an important cause? What are your thoughts on reading making the world a better place?

a COOL champion

50-year-old Master Monua Cary, a former world jujitsu champion and Martial Arts Hall of Famer is offering free women's self-protection classes while she is in Billngs, MT helping to care for her 25-year-old son as he undergoes chemotherapy for Hodgkins Lymphoma. She feels it is a way to give back to her son's community while she is there over the next six months. Master Monua expresses that the workshops will teach women the importance of being aware of their surroundings and how to avoid potential assualts, "Women will learn techniques that could save their lives." She also believes that it is important that women don't view themselves at victims, "When you plant that seed in your head it sets you back both emotionally and psychologically. Thinking of yourself as a victim or potential victim, it puts you in a standpoint of loss." She is also a firm believer that the best way to effectively protect yourself is to be proactive and to be prepared both mentally and physically, "It's not just about technicality, it's about what's in (the heart). When your heart and mind come together, coupled with technicality, that's when total awareness can happen." Cary's classes will be available to women of all ages and experience levels. They will instruct women on the hands-on skills of self-protection as well as techniques and principles to help reduce the risk of being assualted. Master Cary has a goal that goes well beyond teaching self-defense,"My goal is to help build basic concepts of honor, integrity, loyalty, and courage into humanity. I believe this is the legacy we should leave to our future generations." Here's to Master Monua Cary for practicing what she teaches-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL! Would you take one of Master Cary's free classes if you lived in Billings, MT? What do you think of the basic concepts of honor, integrity, loyalty, and courage?

COOL beer

This past Sunday, Altoona Community Theatre (ACT) hosted a SeptemBeerfest at the local Lakemont Park Picnic Pavilions. All monies raised go to the ACT's upcoming 2012-2013 season. Entertainment was provided by the Hurricanes while others were able to enjoy pre-game Steeler action at another tent. It was a wonderful event that provided lots of fun for those that attended and helped raise money so that more will be able to be done with the theatre in the future. Breweries that poured beer for the fundraiser included:Crispin Cider, Henry Weinhard's, Magic Hat, Shock Top, Duquense, Yuengling, and McSorley's. The theatre gets a big boost from fundraisers like this and helps them to continue to operate. ACT Operations Manager Steven C. Helsel states, “All non-profit arts groups depend on fund-raising projects to help provide operating income. Because our performance year opens at a time when beer-makers are featuring new and popular seasonal brews, we thought a tasting afternoon the week of our opening show would be a great kickoff. And Lakemont Park, although shut down by then for the year, is working with us to meet all of our needs and provides a great outdoor venue with covered pavilions should the weather not cooperate.” Here's to the Altoona Community Theatre and the breweries that helped make this event a success and providing a community a place to enjoy plays and the arts-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL! How do you enjoy or support the arts?

COOL swimmers

For Swim Across America, 2012 marks its 25th year in existance. [SAA] "is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events." The past 25 years have seen SAA's swimming events expand from one single event in Nantucket, MA to dozens of events that reach across the U.S. starting in New York to California. This year the organization looks to help people all over the country sponsor and hold their own pool swims. Over the past 25 years SAA has been able to raise over $40 million for cancer research, prevention, and treatment. The money has helped support institutes in Boston, NYC, Tampa, Dallas, and Oakland, CA to name a few. This year's events will bring together recreational swimmers to competive swimmers who have competed in the Olympics. Also, hundreds of volunteers will be giving their time to pursue a cure for cancer. Ranging in ages from 4 to 78, more than 4,000 swimmers will participate in these swim events across America. Remember, you don't have to be a swimmer to help "Make Wave to Fight Cancer" with Swim Across America. You can volunteer, donate money, or just cheer on a love one as he/she swims in an event. Here's to all the swimmer, volunteers, donators, and family and friends who help make Swim Across America a success every year-keep swimmming, stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL! To learn more please visit: www.swimacrossamerica.org What are your thoughts about "Swim Across America" and their efforts to fund cancer research?

COOL listeners

5-year-old Stanton and his friend Faith sat patiently while a 4-year-old girl curled up next to them and read from her favorite book. They sat for a long time while 20 other children read to them. The only sign that one could tell they were really enjoying themselves was the way their tails wagged as each child read their favorite story.

Stanton and Faith are a part of the national Read to a Dog Program. The program introduces children to dogs while they sit and read to them. Parents who either knew about the program or ones who stumbled upon it were pleased with the concept. Jennifer York, mother to 3-year-old Betsy, woke to find her daughter practicing reading prior to going to the library for the event, "It's never too early to get children started on reading books and I love that it encourages kids to read by letting them interact with animals. I wish there had been a program like this when I was growing up."

4-year-old Violet Lewis was apprehensive about reading to such large dogs but was glad she did, "I could tell he liked the book because he was wagging his tail. He was a good listener and a nice dog." Violet's mother, Amy, appreciated the chance for her to be up close with such a large dog, "It was good for her to be in a controlled environment with a large dog who was so well-behaved."

Mary Letourneau, Stanton's owner, was overjoyed to see how much the children appeared to connect with him. They have been a part of the program for over three years, "It's so rewarding to see children gaining confidence by reading to these dogs. And Stanton enjoys being entertained by these kids so much. His tail never stops wagging."

Here's to the dogs, as well as their owners, who sit so patiently while children read to them and gain confidence-keep your tails wagging-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

What do you think of the "Read to a Dog Program" and how the children respond to it?

a COOL raft guide

Dave Kadlock of Salt Lake City, UT is a skilled raft guide for the nonprofit organization SPLORE, which helps people of all abilities experience adventures of the great outdoors.

As a skilled guide, Dave has made himself known to those in his field but has distinguished himself from all other guides with his attitude in working with clients who are battling various physical and cognitive disabilities.

Lindsay Malone, marketing coordinator for SPLORE expresses how valuable Dave is to the organization, "Dave is always right there putting a smile on everyone's face. Being a gifted storyteller, Dave is often found telling legends around a campfire or causing uproarious laughter while floating down the river. Dave's passion for people makes him an invaluable partner for our organization."

Here's to Dave Kadlock for allowing those with physical and cognitive disabilities to experience the great outdoors with dignity and laughter-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

For more information about SPLORE please visit: www.splore.org

What do you think of Dave and the work he does on the river?

a COOL valentine

For this Valentine's Day, a request has gone out to Colorado residents to make or buy a card for veterans at the veteran's hospital or living in the Colorado State Veteran's Nursing Home. Colorado resident, Sean Tompkins states, "This is such a great idea. I am a veteran and fortunately I am healthy. But I can imagine the cheer a card would bring me if I was in the VA hospital or nursing home."

Rick Krandall, radio personality for KEZW, is helping to promote the idea locally, "This program is more than 30 years old. It was started by newspaper columnist Ann Landers in response to a request from the head of the Veteran's Administration to have people send Valentine's cards to veterans in recognition of National Hospitalized Veteran's Week." Krandall also informs that the program was continued by several individuals after Mrs. Landers passed away and the station has been promoting it for the past 10 years.

With the support of school classes, churches, organizations such as the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce, and individuals either making or buying cards they had about 10,000 cards donated last year. They are looking to exceed that number this year. Veterans who are in-patients receive their card on their meal tray and veterans receiving out-patient care are handed theirs. Veterans in the nursing home also receive a card.

Here's to all those who make a veteran's day by donating a Valentine's Day card-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

What do you think of this program to send veterans in the hospital or nursing home a Valentine's Day card?

COOL pajamas

The Pajama Program is a none profit organization that provides new pajamas and books to needy children in the United states and around the world. Many of these children are waiting to be adopted and have never had a mother or father read them a bedtime story. To date they have given over 1,000,000 new pajamas and books to children in need.

Many of the children served through this program have grown up in orphanages, group homes or shelters. Also, many are shuffled between these facilities with never having a home to call their own.

Genevieve Piturro, Found and Executive Director, states, "So many children are without warm bedtime clothing and education so we developed a creative program to provide some of both. We intend to make a difference-giving back is what it's all about."

Here's to Genevieve and the volunteers at Pajama Program for making a child's bedtime more comforting-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

The Pajama Program depends of volunteers, sponsors, and donation. If you would like to know more: www.pajamaprogram.org

What do you think of the Pajama Program and how it affects children?

to a COOL new year

Well, here we are again, in the beginning of a new year which hopefully will bring new beginnings and new possibilities. The cool thing about new beginnings is that we get a chance to get things right this time around. The cool thing about new possibilities is that we might not be real sure what they are until they are upon us. The key is to take advantage of the new beginnings and possibilities before that new year attitude becomes an after thought.

Here's hoping your new beginnings bring about new results and that your new possibilities allow you to fulfill your potential.

Here's hoping your new beginnings heal old wounds and that your new possibilities allow you to meet people who will support you through your endeavours.

Here's hoping your new beginnings keep you motivated throughout the year and that your new possibilities bring you wealth far beyond the meaning of money.

Here's hoping your new beginnings keep you young at heart and that your new possibilities help you to embrace the uncertainties that life throws at you.

Here's hoping your new beginnings create fond memories and that your new possibilities guide you to the happiness you deserve.

Here's hoping your new beginnings and new possibilities bring cool things and cool people into your life throughout the entire year!

Here's to you...stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

a COOL community

The theft of televisions, gaming consoles, and games at Mourning Star, a nonprofit organization, got the attention of the community and soon found many neighbors waiting outside the center with TVs, XBoxes, PlayStations, and many games to take the place of the stolen items.

Mourning Star helps children grieving from the loss of a loved one. The counselors use the games and gaming systems as a way to connect with the children who are in need of assistance in going through the grieving process. Sheryl Sullivan, Mourning Star's program director, expresses her amazement in the community, "It is heartwarming to know that for every bad thief we have, we have 10 great people waiting to restore the damage they do if they have the information."

A local Inn even sent over a maintenance man to hook up the systems. Sheryl expresses that the gesture touched them deeply because she couldn't have hooked them up herself. The center even got help from Colleen Quinn, a local radio personality, who spread the word of the theft on her morning show.

Other community members stopped by to give cash to help replace any other items that might need replaced. Employees express that some of the money will be used to fix the window the thieves broke in through. With so many items being donated the center is receiving duplicate supplies. They express that they will be donated to other Mourning Star centers and a new facility planning to open early next year.

Here's to the community members of Hesperia, CA for helping out an important organization in its time of need-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

What do you think of the work an organization like the Mourning Star does? Do you know of a child who is grieving the loss of a loved one?

COOL inmates

A half a dozen minimum security inmates at the Missouri River Correctional Center in Bismarck, ND are getting into the Christmas spirit by fixing up toys and bikes that have been donated since early November. These men are a part of the "Christmas Playpen" project which also includes the local paper, the Salvation Army, Go Mini's storage, Dan's Supermarket, and Trans Trash.

To date, the men have completed about 50 bikes and around 12 boxes of toys. The men express that they enjoy the process of fixing toys and bikes for children who more than likely wouldn't be receiving Christmas gifts.

James Thompson states, "Anything that requires using my hands, I like. I figured, if we're going to give back to society, we might as well start here."

Brandon Baumeister expresses that he not only likes the work because he went to school for auto and diesel mechanics but, "It helps out the kids too."

Brandon Anderson adds, "No. 1, I love helping out. The children getting bikes, that's the biggest sticking point for me."

Joe Jennings loves helping as well, "Doing this feels good and it feels good to give back and make sure kids have a good Christmas."

Here's to you inmates for making cool use of your time-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

What do you think of this program? Would you donate toys for this cause?

a COOL thanks

As Thanksgiving and the holiday season comes upon us it's a good time to think about someone who has done something cool for us and not asked for anything in return. Whether it was being given something such as a coin for the parking meter, a meal when hungry, or shelter when cold, it's a great time to think where one might be if these cool people weren't there in the time of need.

This is the season of giving thanks and who better to thank than someone who went above and beyond without looking for something in return. The great thing about giving thanks is that it's easy to carry and doesn't have to cost a cent. Also, the affect it has on someone is great and most often will make their day.

Here's to all the people who have given their time, money, or self to someone or some cause without expecting anything back-THANKS-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

Who would you like to take the time to thank during this upcoming holiday season? Why?

a COOL operation

Pursuing an active and athletic lifestyle can sometimes be taken for granted. For those suffering from permanent physical disabilities pursuing such a lifestyle can be daunting and in some cases never achieved. Thanks to the Challenged Athlete's Foundation an active lifestyle for those permanently disabled is no longer an unachievable goal.

The Challenged Athletes Foundation's Operation Rebound is a top notch program that supports American military personnel, veterans and first responders who have suffered permanent physical disabilities. The foundation, established in 1997, realizes the athletic pursuits in all people with challenging disabilities and assists their athletic capabilities by providing opportunities that lead to success in sports and all phases of life.

The Operation offers access to funding for athletic expenses ranging from equipment, training, and competition. They also support funds for Military Medical Center Physical Training and sports clinics.

Here's to Operation Rebound for allowing those suffering from permanent physical disabilities the chance to pursue their athletic endeavors-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

For more information please go to: www.challengedathletes.org

What do you think of Operation Rebound's mission? How would you feel about pursuing your athletic endeavors if you were permanently disabled?

the COOL outdoors

Justin Ristine, 11, wanted to go hunting like his father. Mikey Williamson, 8, also wants to experience the joys of hunting. The only obstacle standing in Justin's way was that he was born with only one arm and Mikey has only two fingers and uses a wheelchair due to complications from spina bifida. Thanks to Youth Outdoors Unlimited Justin was able to go hunting and get his first deer while Mikey is planning to go in November.

Youth Outdoors Unlimited, a Moses Lake, WA based organization founded by Cindy Carpenter, helps children with disabilities or life-threatening illnesses, who have an interest in outdoor sports, go on hunting and fishing trips. The organization runs totally on donations and it supplies everything to include hunting safety classes, the equipment, the trip, the food, and carries liability insurance.

Justin's mother, Jennifer, is ecstatic about the program, "You're not out anything. It's a wonderful program for the kids." Justin fired one shot and bagged a three-point buck about 120 yards away. Youth Unlimited donated the $500 Remington 700 rifle that went through a $6,500 renovation donated by Aaron Davidson of Gunwerks in Wyoming which made it easier for him to shoot. Justin explains, "There was no kick, it was like shooting a BB gun. I was very, very happy." A butcher shop in Ephrata is processing the meat and Justin's parents are having the deer's head mounted. Both services are being done free of charge.

Jennifer Ristine did have her reservations about Justin going hunting, "I was scared to death. "I thought, 'My kid with a gun?" However, after meeting Cindy she agreed with her husband, Roy, to sign him up, "I just felt comfortable with her."

Here's to you Youth Outdoors Unlimited and Cindy Carpenter for helping kids dealing with disabilities experience the great outdoors-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

For more information bout Youth Outdoors Unlimited visit them at www.youthoutdoorsu.org or call Cindy Carpenter directly at 509-431-1604

What do you think of the Youth Outdoors Unlimited program?

COOL heels

Some boots were made for walking but these cool heals were made for helping women in their twenties, thirties, and early forties regain a sense of themselves as they recover from cancer treatment. The Pink Heals Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization that focuses on helping young women "reclaim their mojo."

Through fun programs that help women regain their confidence Pink Heals aims to help young women regain their strength and beauty. They do this because surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can damage a woman's looks and confidence as they try to cope with being in what should be the prime of their lives. The brutal treatments can make it rather difficult to find a "new normal".

Pink Heals was founded and created by "Lisa" as she finished treatment and she was overwhelmed with emotions that included depression that followed the end of treatment. She was overcome with fear and helplessness as the feeling of "actively fighting" ended. Most of those around her assumed everything was over and that she should return back to normal. Her confidence and sense of self were shattered as she felt isolated and too young to have cancer.

Here's to you "Lisa" and Pink Heals as you help these young women regain their sense of confidence and mojo-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

Please check out WWW.PINKHEALS.ORG if you would like to learn more or just to donate.

What do you think of PINK HEALS and their mission? Do you know someone who lost their sense of self, confidence, or looks after the active fight against cancer was over and found it hard to return to normal?

COOL coffee

As one enters an upscale coffee house, one is expecting to spend a higher price for a hot beverage than at the local diner or restaurant. Some might think that spending top dollar for a latte at Starbucks is just a waste of money as the economy continues to struggle. However, Starbucks is looking to stimulate U.S. job growth through what they are calling a "Jobs for USA" program.

First, Starbucks is doing it's part to stimulate U.S job growth by hiring around 200 workers a day as they look to remodel existing stores and adding 200 more locations through the next year. Starbuck's Corp's CEO, Howard Schultz, isn't satisfied with those efforts and wants to do more.

Starbucks is teaming with Opportunity Finance Network, a nonprofit group that provides loans to small businesses and community groups. The coffee chain will begin to collect $5 donations this November 1st with 100% of the proceeds going towards loans for companies that can add jobs or lessen job losses. In the past, the network has given loans that have gone to charter schools and grocery stores nationwide. Mr. Shultz expresses, "This is about using Starbucks scale for good."

Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, is confident in the impact that a program like this can have, "I think it's a really worthy effort. In theory, this is a great idea and should have impact."

The next time you grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage don't forget about bringing an extra $5 along with you. It's probably about the cost of a fancy latte but it will go towards giving the U.S. job growth a boost along with giving you a morning boost as well.

Here's to you Starbucks, Opportunity Finance Network, and all those who contribute to giving our economy a much needed caffeine high-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

What do you think of Starbucks program to boost the U.S. job growth? Would you be willing to donate $5 after spending money to buy your favorite hot beverage?

a COOL artist

Sheila Lengle, 64-year-old part-time sales consultant, passionate artist, and breast cancer survivor is donating %50 of the proceeds from a silent auction for one of her paintings "Amy's Bouquet". This painting and several others of her original works are showing at Diane Venti's gallery on Sept. 23rd from 6-9pm. Ten percent of all sales will benefit breast cancer research.

Sheila believes she has not only survived cancer but that she has thrived over the disease. Today she show cases her art on her own website www.lengleart.com, produces Artcards for a kids store, paints wall murals, and is about to start art classes for kids. She also has a long term goal of openning another art gallery similiar to ones she owned in the past.

Sheila describes her art as being "bold, big strokes of vibrant colors." Please visit her website if you would like to experience her bright world of colors and get a hint of her survival attitude.

Here's to you Sheila for having the courage to face the battle of breast cancer and the COOL attitude to thrive and give back to others-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

Experience Sheila's art at Diane Venti's Gallery: West Seattle's Alki Arts, 2828 Alki Ave. S.W.

What do you think of Sheila's will to thrive after facing breast cancer? What do you think of her art made up of "vibrant colors"?

COOL roller coaster riders

This past weekend was spent with family at Cedar Point riding thrilling roller coasters and eating good but not good for you park food such as french fries and ice cream. Throw in a few games and winning prizes and you have one COOL weekend. One couldn't ask for anything more.

However, there were a group of friends riding one roller coaster with us and they were the definition of COOL, good friends. One of the group of friends appeared to be legally blind as he wore big sunglasses that wrapped around his face. This man, they called "Shark", was sitting in front of my niece on one of the coasters. As the coaster whipped around bends and ascended and descended the tracks at a torrid pace, the man sitting beside Shark and the woman in front of him started yelling at him that he better not throw up. As the coaster came to a stop, readying to allow its passengers off the two friends of Shark began to tell him to turn to his right so that he might not hit them with any leftovers from lunch.

At this time, we did not realize that Shark was probably blind until we had exited the ride and were continuing our way to the next coaster when we witnessed the man sitting besides Shark helping him as he appeared to still be wobbly from his ride. The man had Shark's hands and was guiding him. I couldn't imagine riding a roller coaster without being able to see the curves and hills.

Prior to getting on the coaster as we were strapping ourselves in, Shark was having trouble buckling his seat belt and commented that he fit in the ride last year and his friend mentioned to him that he obviously gained weight over the past year.

We would see Shark and his friends two more times during that day and both times he had a hand on a friend's shoulder to help guide him through the busy amusement park. It is hard enough to navigate one's way around with a pair of good eyes as people make their way to their favorite rides. The pace is quick and people can be relentless and unforgiving along their way.

Watching Shark's friends joke and kid with him all the while caring for him during their trip to Cedar Point was a COOL experience. They obviously cared enough about him to make sure that his experience in the amusement park was a safe one all the while letting him see that he was one of them and would get no slack no matter how poor his vision was. Here's to you Shark's friend's for not only making his experience a cool one but ours one as well-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

What do you think of Shark's friends and how they treat him? How would you treat a legally blind friend and would you accompany them to an amusement park and ride roller coasters?