The kindness of neighbors
Today’s Sound On is about the kindness of people:
Dear Heloise: Recently we had a nasty snowstorm that seemed to paralyze many places here in the southwestern United States. Pipes froze, power was out for nearly three days and people were unprepared for snow and ice.
It’s amazing how neighborhoods banded together to help one another. We had people who went to the homes of elderly folks to make sure they had enough to eat, to see if they were OK and see if there was anything they needed. People shared what they had with neighbors who needed a flashlight, batteries, food or, in some cases, shelter. Those of us who had a fireplace were willing to take in those who needed warmth.
I know the world can be a very cold place sometimes, but in a crisis, it warms my heart to know I can count on the kindness of my neighbors and friends. We may not be a perfect country, but in a crisis we work together and, in doing so, we strengthen our unity and become a better country.— Shirley N., Helotes, Texas
FAST FACTS
Here are some additional uses for those silica gel packets:
■ Place in a mailbox to ward off dampness.
■ In a camera bag.
■ In a shop drawer where you keep nails, bolts, etc.
■ In plastic bags where you store winter clothing and blankets.
PROTECT YOUR DISHES
Dear Heloise :I learned the hard way to protect my dishes when moving. The movers told me they usually recommend plastic mesh shelf liner, cut into squares and placed between the dinner plates. Coffee filters work well too, and so do paper plates, but never ship your china without something to cushion your dinnerware. I thought since we were moving just 11 miles from our former home to a new place that all would be safe. I was wrong! — Janet W., Omaha, Neb.
PAPER PLATES
Dear Heloise: My husband always laughs at me because I buy paper plates for all sorts of things, not just picnics. I use them for catching spills under a bowl of soup, under the dog’s water bowel, as a spoon rest and more. Then I toss it in the recycle bin when done. — Jeannie K., Elmdale,
Ind.
Millions of people were hard hit by the brutal winter storm that struck the state of Texas in February. So was wildlife. Especially hard hit were green sea turtles, which were “cold-stunned” by unusually frigid temperatures and left unable to swim or protect themselves. When word got out about the turtles’ predicament, however, hundreds of volunteers jumped into action to save them. Thousands of turtles were collected from beaches and waters near the shore and rushed to wildlife shelters where they could be kept warm. More than 9,400 were saved in what wildlife officials said was the largest cold-stunning event recorded since records first started to be kept in 1980.
The rescue effort was successful. After a few days in shelters, most of the turtles were released back into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico on slippery slides attached to boats. Texas continues to recover from the deadly winter storm that hit in February.
Activity: In the newspaper or online, find and closely read stories about recovery efforts. Pretend you are a leader of recovery efforts. Use what you read to write a “game plan” outlining the most important steps that need to be taken over the next month.