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Happy Anniversary Up Beat: June 2008
One year has passed since we started sharing the sunnier side of life every Monday in this space.
Readers wanted more positive news and we dug up plenty. We also selected a cheerful group of folks to serve in "Team Up Beat" and help spread even more good news. For months we've been committing random acts of kindness in our efforts to encourage others to "Pay It Forward." The response has been tremendous and inspiring. I wanted to update you on some of the people who shared their good news over the past year.*
The column that generated the most response concerned the Barrett-Lyman family. I wrote about this family first on Dec. 3, 2007.Arthur and Robin Lyman, a couple in Cape Coral with two children ages 5 and 10, learned that Arthur's sister, Paulette Barrett, had terminal brain cancer. The Lymans chose to welcome Paulette and her five children: Zach Coleman, 15; Dustin Coleman, 9; twins Nicholas and Kyleigh Barrett, 4; and Braden Barrett, 2, into their home. The good news was that a brother did the right thing for his sister. The bad news was that the Lyman family's life flipped upside down. Besides Paulette's medical condition, many of her children were struggling with their own medical needs. Braden is a blind toddler with diabetes, Nicholas is in remission with leukemia and his twin sister Kyleigh has spinal tethering, which stunts her growth and requires spinal surgery to correct the condition. Paulette does not have contact with nor receive child support from her ex-husbands. One is unwilling, the other unable to be a part of their lives. The Lymans took a risk of putting up their house on the market and buying a larger home to accommodate Paulette's family. Because of the downturn in the housing market, the first house didn't sell - still hasn't sold - and they were sinking in debt trying to pay for two houses and support a large family. Arthur, an emergency room nurse at Southwest Regional, worked overtime but could not pay two mortgages and provide for a family that grew from four to 10 overnight. But after their story appeared in this column, they were blindsided by generosity. Readers sent them more than $20,000, dropped off Christmas presents, food and gift cards. Carolers sang at their doorstep. A young boy offered to give them his birthday presents.
"I couldn't imagine this in my wildest dreams," Arthur said at the time.
"I really don't know where we would be if it hadn't been for all the kind donations and well wishes," Robin said. "We are so grateful."If you would like to contact Robin Lyman you can reach her at 823-2856.
A It was a full-time job taking phone calls for Viola Tipton after I ran a story about the 85-year-old "bear lady" in January. Viola makes teddy bears out of mink coats and different fabrics. She patiently hand sews and stuffs each one the old-fashioned way.She also charges old-fashioned prices. It's $35 for a 12-inch bear and $50 for a 16-inch bear. You have to provide the mink or fabric.Who knew so many people had mink coats? After the column appeared in January, Viola had more than 100 orders and mink coats piled high on her living room couch in her North Fort Myers apartment.
"I have been swamped with calls, but I'm enjoying it," she said. She hired a neighbor who is also gifted at making teddy bears. Together they have made more than 120 bears since January. Most people want to transform unused mink coats into teddy bears so they can hand them down to grandchildren. Others want to remember loved ones who have passed away. Viola can also turn pajamas or other fabrics into teddy bears. She turned one man's very loud golf jacket into a teddy bear.
"I thank the Lord every day for the patience and strength to do them," she said.
A Another column that generated a tremendous response from the community concerned Cliff Naylor and his dream to bring 21 wounded soldiers to Fort Myers. In 1967, Cliff Naylor was injured during the Vietnam War. The then-20-year-old soldier spent a year at the Fort Gordon hospital. Near the end of his recovery, the city of Miami offered to take 21 soldiers from Fort Gordon hospital and treat them like kings for a weekend. The trip to Miami reminded him people cared despite the unpopular war. He wanted the same for the current crop of soldiers returning from overseas. Cliff had no idea his dream would manifest itself so dramatically and also change his life. Last October, 21 wounded soldiers traveling by bus got a police escort down Interstate 75 into Fort Myers. They were escorted by six sheriff's deputies on motorcycles, two sheriff's department cars and a dozen bikers with Rolling Thunder and Legion Riders. The community opened its arms to welcome all of them. Jeff Webb, owner of the Hampton Inn & Suites on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers, put the soldiers up for free. Their hotel rooms were packed with Norman Love chocolates, teddy bears, a trophy, a welcome bag and goodies. Capt. John Bunch, who operates Operation Open Arms, raised money; local restaurants Mel's Diner, Bert's Bar, Pinchers Crab Shack and Jason's Deli gave meals; and Enterprise Rental donated vans. Local VFWs and the American Legion pulled out all the stops. Kathy Cantu, owner of Red Salon & Spa, dropped everything to give the only female soldier the works - complimentary massage, manicure and hair styling. She did such a good job, six other male soldiers showed up for some pampering. Politicians, residents, veterans and media filled the lobby of the Hampton Inn & Suites at the end of their weekend to say goodbye. The soldiers, who have lost limbs, suffered broken bones and extensive nerve damage, and endured countless surgeries, were stunned and appreciative. Many had tears running down their faces .The overwhelming success of that October weekend inspired Cliff to do it again. He will welcome 21 wounded soldiers from Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville, N.C., in August. They will spend a weekend at the Port of The Islands Resort Hotel in Naples. It won't be the last time.
"I'm going to keep doing this until all those kids come home and they are better," Cliff said. If you would like to contact Cliff, call 239-841-2019 or write to Attn: Cliff Naylor, VFW Post 10127, 996 Pondella Road, North Fort Myers, Fla. 33903.
A few weeks ago, I wrote a column about a Fort Myers police officer, Jack Thompson, who inspired others to sponsor 10 kids who wanted to go to camp but did not have the money.His act of generosity encouraged more people to do the same thing. The Boys & Girls Club of Lee County had 140 children who didn't have the money to attend their summer camp.Now they can because of you, the readers of this column.All 140 kids will attend camp this summer."Because of the generosity of the community none of these kids will stay home and go down the wrong road this summer, said Lynn Dorler, resource development director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County.Readers also sent about $1,800 to the kids in Pine Manor who attend camp in partnership with the Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida. That allowed staff to take nearly 50 children to the Naples Zoo and schedule some more field trips.More than $1,000 came in for the tiniest little campers. There are 1,800 Lee County children waiting for a spot in child care because their families don't have the money. Community Coordinated Care for Children can send these children to early learning childcare facilities for an entire year for a $285 tax-free donation. The state provides matching funds of $15.67 for every dollar."This money will serve three to four children," said Debrah Carr, spokeswoman for Community Coordinated Care for Children. "We are very grateful to the community. Their support will directly benefit needy families and their children."Generous readers also sent enough money to sponsor 27 teens at Children's Network of Southwest Florida. They will attend camp at Lee County Parks and Recreation, The Boys & Girls Club and Quality Life Center."Some are going for multiple weeks because the camps gave us discounts," said Aimee McLaughlin, spokeswoman for Children's Network. "I could never be more grateful. The response was amazing and it has been a heartwarming experience. I know 27 kids who are absolutely thrilled today."
It's not often that dancing makes you so proud you cry. But that's what happened to educators, parents, grandparents and anyone else who watched students from five area elementary schools ballroom dance in April.Students from Bonita Springs Elementary School, Franklin Park Magnet School, Edgewood Academy, J. Colin English Elementary School and Tice Elementary School danced the merengue, fox trot, rumba, tango and swing.The students spent 10 weeks participating in a program entitled "Dancing Classrooms." The program uses ballroom dancing as a vehicle to build social awareness, confidence and self-esteem.The "Dancing Classrooms" program is based on an award-winning documentary titled "Mad Hot Ballroom."The program was such a success that Margaret Antonier Miller, president and CEO of Miromar Development Corporation, vowed to fund it again next year."I'm overwhelmed," she said. "I can't believe what has happened to these children."Dr. James Browder, superintendent for Lee County Schools, enthusiastically attended the program's finale, which is a dance competition."Tell me a reason today why we shouldn't continue this program," he told the cheering crowd.Expect to see another Up Beat column on these super dancers and this exceptional program next year.
Whenever I'm around the Red Hat sisters I just can't help but smile. I've covered these 50-plus ladies at their pajama party at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, at their Red Hat Oscar Gala, and waved to them on their Edison parade floats. These women comprise more than 400 Red Hat chapters in Lee County - and they personify Up Beat."You have to stand up for fun," said Camille Maurer, the Queen Mum of the Red Flashes. She has the largest Red Hat chapter in Lee County with 200 members - and she makes quite an impression. The first time I met her she told me her Red Hat fashion strategy. "I'll ask my husband how I look and if he says, 'Are you really going to go out like that?' That's when I know I look perfect."This queen mum leads her chapter with her zany attitude at all their flourishing social events.In March about 450 Red Hatters came in costume to a circus party. Their costumes turned them into bearded ladies, tight rope walkers, a hootchy- kootchy dancer, snake charmers and clowns. Recently nearly 100 of them sparkled in red and purple on a five-day cruise, when they enjoyed a 50s Grease theme night, a Zane E. Fonda exercise skit and a hoedown on the high seas."The whole philosophy is that we're all in this together having fun," said Camille, aka, the Queen Mum of the Red Flashes. She shared this with me while dressed up as Cleopatra during an Oscar event."It's time to go out and enjoy ourselves. We can do all the silly things we couldn't do before. It's one thing to go out in a silly hat and a feather boa by yourself but if there are 25 people behind you you don't care how stupid you look."Here are some stories, personal reflections and general good news from some of the members of Team Up Beat.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR NO. 1
Since we introduced The Up Beat in June 2007, local lives have changed. Here's a sampling of Up Beat by the numbers. The News-Press sponsored $300 a month in 2008 to give away for random acts of kindness. The money has funded dinner for a policeman who caught a runaway dog by giving it his peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a dinner for 10 at Ronald McDonald House, a Christmas tree for a family, bridge tolls for 15 people, 51 third graders to the movies, dinner for random strangers in restaurants and many other good deeds.*3,500 books. On May 26, we published an article about Michigan International Academy, hoping to send each of its 550 students home with a book for the summer. The community responded by supplying more than 3,500 books for this school, at which 90 percent of students qualify for the free-lunch program.*21 soldiers.
We published a story about Cliff Naylor's dream in October 2007 to bring 21 injured soldiers to Fort Myers in the same way he was received after the Vietnam War. By the time the soldiers arrived in Fort Myers, veterans, business owners, politicians and everyday civilians stepped up to wine, dine, entertain, honor and hug these soldiers. The extreme generosity brought many of the soldiers to tears.*1 happy dog. Phyllis Balyeat, 82, got taken for $680 for a deposit she gave a so-called mover. Phyllis, who has lung cancer, was just hanging on to her home and small blind poodle. A week after the column ran, an anonymous donor sent her a check for $700 and a local veterinarian offered to feed and care for her dog Taffy for the rest of its life.*2 hours. That's how long it took seven children to open all of their Christmas presents after a story ran about their family on Dec. 3, 2007.
The column told the story of Arthur and Robin Lyman, who took in Arthur's sister, Paulette Barrett, who had terminal brain cancer. They also took in her five children - some of whom have medical problems. The community responded by sending more than $20,000, filling up a living room with presents and creating a Christmas they will never forget.*120 teddy bears.
Viola Tipton, 85, makes teddy bears out of mink coats. She wanted to offer to make special teddy bears for anyone who could provide her with a mink coat. Her fee was $50 a teddy bear. After the column appeared on Jan. 21, more than 200 people called about the bears and she received more mink coats than she could imagine.*5,000 flip flops. Beverly McNew and Mary Ellen Weaver thought it would be fun to decorate flip flops for kids in the hospital. Since the article ran about her friendly flip flops on December 31, 2007, more than 100 volunteers have offered to help and thousands of flip flops have been made for other hospitals including All Children's hospital in St. Petersburg. Beverly and Mary Ellen have even gone global, talking to Samaritan's Purse, an organization that gets flip flops to kids around the world.*140 campers. The response from a column on June 16 resulted in 140 children going to camp. That's how many kids went from wait listed to camper at The Boys & Girls Club of Lee County because of donations from The News-Press readers.
2009 - One of the best parts of being a journalist is sharing inspirational stories and documenting the amazing acts of generosity that take place throughout Southwest Florida. Every year I write dozens of inspirational stories, and picking a few favorites is tough. But here are my favorite feel-good stories of 2009.
Jason GunterJason Gunter, 44, attempted to make history at the Ford Ironman World Championship last October in Kona, Hawaii.He collapsed about three miles from the finish line after almost completing the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run.But he was a winner to everyone who knew him and heard his story.Gunter lost his right hand and left leg below the knee in a 1992 boating accident in Pine Island Sound. He trained for the world's hardest triathlon for less than six months.He returned home to a rousing cheer from the community including a Facebook movement to have him named grand marshal of the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade. It swelled to more than 500 members.The Fort Myers attorney would have made history as the first upper and lower-amputee athlete to finish the Ironman. But he has next year to realize that dream.He's training with a local triathlon team, Geared Up, and focused on the future. He's signed up for a half-Ironman in New Orleans."I'm trying again to achieve my dream as an Ironman finisher in 2010," Jason said. "I'm not sure what race it will be but I'm going to finish."NBC recently aired the Kona Ironman and featured Jason during the segment. They will re-air the broadcast on New Year's Day on Comcast on Universal Sports.
Soldier outreach: This community goes out of its way for those serving our country."I'm so grateful," said Deborah Ringsmuth, a Fort Myers mom who collects goodies for our troops all year long.In the past six years, she's reached out to more than 2,000 soldiers with the help of Southwest Florida. Recently she sent over dozens of stockings.She's not the only one who cares. Operation Open Arms, a nonprofit in Cape Coral, helps coordinate activities and hotel packages for soldiers on leave.Wounded soldiers also get a lot of love in the community.Cliff Naylor, a Vietnam veteran, organizes a weekend for 21 wounded soldiers from Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Ga., to Southwest Florida.Last October, they spent a weekend on Fort Myers Beach.Cliff always makes sure these soldiers get a big community hug -- and the community never fails to give them one.
Hunger efforts: Hunger has not gone away in Southwest Florida.But Southwest Florida has made a valiant effort to fight against it.The community responded with money, time and effort when it learned about children going hungry in the summer.Residents contributed $315,000 to the Hunger Relief Fund last June. In addition, the Harry Chapin Food Bank -- the area's largest food distribution center -- received $85,000 as part of the federal economic stimulus package.The Harry Chapin Food Bank doubled its summer inventory to a record-breaking 1.6 million pounds, valued at $2.5 million.A mobile food pantry operated by Community Cooperative Ministries Inc. was packed with food and deployed to five school sites.The Salvation Army offered hot meals from its mobile feeding unit. The United Way sent staff to help people sign up for resources like food stamps.Additional backpack programs were established by Community Cooperative Ministries, Inc. so more kids leave school on Friday with a backpack full of food."In 2008 we felt a sense of despair and in 2009 there was really hope and a lot more food resources to give people," said Al Brislain, Harry Chapin's CEO. "It was like night and day."
Blanket girls: Two young Lehigh Acres girls make an impression on everyone they meet.CharlieLynn Zipperer, 12 and SammieLynn Zipperer, 11, began offering blankets to the Lee County's homeless six years ago.Their generosity landed them in a book.Author David Justus features the sisters in his recently released book, "The Lemonade Stand: How to Make a Difference 101" (Northcoast University, $12.95)."I searched the country for people making a difference and I was inspired by their young age and their drive and desire to put aside the things you expect an 11- and 12-year-old to do in exchange for collecting blankets to keep the homeless warm," he said. "It's an amazing story."The story began when SammieLynn was in kindergarten. The girls wanted to contribute something to the poor that made them feel safe -- blankets. Their mother, Shari Zipperer, shared their passion."The ultimate goals is to get them out of the woods," Shari said. And they won't stop until they do just that. They continue to work hard during the holidays."We've ventured to feeding families so they don't lose the homes they're in," Shari said.The girls won't stop working for those less fortunate."They're just like you and me," CharlieLynn said.
Amazing grace: Last year, the journey to Africa was about fulfilling the dream of John E. Halgrim, a dying Fort Myers teenager.Now it's about watching the dream unfold and pushing it even further.Two years ago, Halgrim died at age 15 from a brain tumor. His dying wish to help kids in Africa spawned a spectacular community effort, which raised more than $75,000 to make his dream come true.His dream couldn't have come true or be sustained without the tremendous support of Southwest Floridians and others who have contributed to its success. Most of the 51 children in the orphanage are sponsored by area residents. A rooftop garden will help feed the children thanks to the help of ECHO, Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization.Students from Edison State College and Fort Myers High School are forging connections with the students."The community support has been really good," said Doug Ballinger, founder of Help The Least of These, a Fort Myers based nonprofit that supports the orphanage."I'm really impressed. A group of orthopedic doctors just took five sponsorships. That's the good Lord working."It takes about $400 a year to sponsor a child at the John E. Halgrim Orphanage. Because of the economy, some people cannot continue to sponsor a child in 2010. About 10 sponsors are needed. If you can help, contact Doug Ballinger at 834-4004 or e-mail: dough@htlot.org. The Web site is helptheleastofthese.org.