Negativity is all around us. It follows us to the supermarket when the clerk is in a bad mood. It follows us into the workplace, the restaurant, the doctor’s office, and we follow it through the media.
Our community is all too often viewed through downbeat dialogue that explores all that is dreadful, shocking and unpleasant. For those folks in our community who are tired of the negative, depressing news that clouds the “sunny side,” this monthly column is for you.
I have often been accused of having a Pollyanna complex. While I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to correct inappropriate negative behavior, it is equally and maybe even more important to acknowledge helpful and caring behavior.
The animal world calls this “positive reinforcement.” Have you ever called for a store manager to come forward in order to hear a compliment regarding a clerk who has gone the extra mile to provide outstanding service? If not, try it sometime. Just the combined look of shock and pleasure is worth the time spent waiting for the manager. By the way, since most managers expect an angry customer waiting … don’t expect anything other than a snail’s pace response to the call.
I see kind people. I see them all around Southern Indiana. This is my second column in The Tribune. However, I have been writing about Clark County Extra Milers for more than a year. I am happy to expand the column to recognize all of Southern Indiana.
Stop taking good people for granted. Let me share their stories and good deeds. Charles Kuralt believed, “The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines.”
I need to hear from you — from New Albany to Georgetown, from Lanesville to Greenville, and on to Floyds Knobs. Tell your stories of kindness — random or otherwise — extraordinary friendships and exemplary volunteers — the extra milers. Tell us of ordinary people doing extraordinary acts of kindness.
Optimism shines through the caring deeds of others. Just as Walt Disney’s movie “Pollyanna” revealed, any one person can transform a community.
Do you know that person?
Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and president of a national training and consulting company, EEO GUIDANCE, Inc. If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an extra miler, please let us know about it. To submit a story or act of kindness, contact Carol via e-mail: Cdawson@news-tribune.net or send mail to: The Extra Milers, The Evening News, 221 Spring St. Jeffersonville, IN, 47130-3340.
Extra Milers
Recognize those who go the extra mile
Columnist promises to tell of good deeds in Southern Indiana
- Extra Milers
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EXTRA MILER: Someone who cares a lot
Waiting backstage to surprise our Extra Miler, John Templeton (Cat in the Hat) and Ellie Delap (Gertrude) were feeling a bit nostalgic. Both are seniors at Jeffersonville High School and this was to be their final high school performance. Standing just behind them, Donna VanHook, our Extra Miler, was doing what she has done best for at least 9 years. She is tugging on a costume and pinning it in just the right places so that it fits properly.
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The Extra Milers: Teaching by example
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EXTRA MILER: The courage to say yes
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EXTRA MILER: Sisters of the Heart
Both girls have been involved in volunteer activities for several years. Amber serves on the student council of her school and has volunteered several times in soup kitchens. Sophia loves to dance and has entertained in nursing homes on several occasions.
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EXTRA MILER: Overcoming fear by facing it head-on
As a young girl, I was reluctant to learn how to ride a bicycle. I was torn between wanting the wind in my hair as I hit the open road with friends and the fear of falling with a splat to the pavement. My father quickly tired of the excuses and one day sat me on the bicycle and pushed the bike forward. I fell hard and as my windblown vision seemed to be shattered, my father said, “Get right back up on that horse and ride again … it will be easier this time.” He was right.
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EXTRA MILER: A call to duty
I was talking recently with Mark Eddy, executive director for Leadership Southern Indiana, when the conversation turned to this column. Mark said he knew of a church full of Extra Milers. The church is the Northside Church of Christ in Jeffersonville and specifically, he mentioned two individuals he felt met and exceeded the standards set for Extra Milers. He named Michael Kidwell and Gale Dunlap.
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Harkins has touched thousands with her generosity, concern for others
I am blessed with many best friends who have influenced my life; however, there has been one person who has influenced me the most and is the inspiration behind this column. Everything I know about loving my neighbor, I learned from Barbara Long Harkins (Barbie) … and she continues to provide inspiration to all who know her.
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EXTRA MILER: Coloring Our World
Creative people tend to bring full color to an otherwise monochrome world. Our July Extra Miler, George Ellis, turns life’s dull and numbing neutrals into vibrant and joyful colors.
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EXTRA MILER: Bringing Respect into our Schools
An enforcement officer recently spoke with me after sitting through a workplace harassment workshop. He spoke of his part-time job duties as a security officer at a local middle school and expressed a great concern for children who do not seem to fit in with the majority students. The officer said, “Every day I see cruel and hateful harassment from many of the students and my job is to step in if they become violent.”
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EXTRA MILER: Be part of Southern Indiana’s week of kindness
Julie Schwerer, executive director of the Bliss House in Jeffersonville, is a bundle of energy with a contagious spirit. She can speak at warp speed when truly excited and last week she may have broken through the sound barrier as she spoke of an anonymous donation to the Bliss House.
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