I have my own “thankful” board in my WGBY office. I see it every day and after just two months on the job, I’m about to run out of space. I pin thank you cards, newspaper clippings and I even have an apron hanging– all reminders of the way I’ve been able to positively influence someone’s life in the Western New England area through Connecting Point. Let me share some of the highlights on the board with you.
The apron and attached note that says “This is for you to wear the next time you make baklava…” is from J. Paul Lanza who owns Sea Chests and was featured on one of our Making It Here segments. Making It Here is a popular series we’re proud of that highlights local businesses that sometimes even only consist of one person making a product or service within driving distance. Whether it’s a sea chest or coffee or even restoring an old hotel, each story carries a special meaning behind the company. Connecting Point has some exciting Making It Here pieces planned for the next couple months and we’re always looking for submissions.
Two thank you cards stand out on the board: one from the Springfield Rescue Mission and one from Anna Symington who ran Baystate’s Rays of Hope Walk. Both thanking me for having them on Connecting Point to talk about important issues facing our entire country but also, our area– homeless men & breast cancer.
One of the newspaper clippings, ‘Greatest Generation’ shouldn’t be forgotten, is by Cynthia Simison, managing editor of The Republican. She write how Connecting Point and Purple Hearts Reunited, a non-profit organization featured on Connecting Point, helped a local Wilbraham man return dog tags he found on his property over 10 years ago to the rightful veteran’s family.
Whether a handwritten note card, an article or an apron–each one reminds me of the importance of showcasing the stories that matter most to our viewers… and with just a week before Valley Gives hits western Massachusetts and hosts their “second annual 24-hour celebration of generosity”, it was a nice reminder today for me to see how giving back in my own special way at the same time keeps me thankful.
