Random Acts of Kindness

Sustainably Sadie

Pay It Forward/ Random Acts of Kindness

I have seen in the last few years, possibly made popular by the 2000 film drama, Pay It Forward, or perhaps just human compassion that I recognize more easily as an adult, wonderful Random Acts of Kindness.  I have an amazing customer at the coffee shop, who regularly buys the customer behind her in line a cup of coffee by leaving an extra five dollars with me at the drive-thru window.  Friends told us last year that there is someone in Butte who goes to Kmart on Christmas Eve and pays off amounts owed at Lay-Away.  These friends had a couple hundred dollars left to pay on their Christmas toys and gifts purchased at Kmart and this generous soul relieved them of that debt.  They never met the person; they most likely never will. 

I stumbled across a blog post via (you know it, my favorite new obsession) Pinterest.com from a mom blogger who did an advent of Random Acts of Kindness with her children to teach, through example, the true meaning of the holidays.  Some examples were to leave a gift – not just a gratuity, but an actual gift for their waitress at a restaurant; a gift for the mailman and leaving a small package of diapers and wipes on a changing table in a public restroom.  They hid dollars in the toy aisle of the dollar store.  And they visited the local nursing home, bringing treats and joy to the some of the residents. 

These little gestures brighten people’s day (and hearts).  Not expecting anything in return, the original giver starts a chain reaction whereby the recipient of an unexpected gift pays the gesture forward.  As we speed into the holiday season, keep these random acts in mind and over tip a waitress once in a while (also, please remember that tipping at a restaurant averages between 15% and 20% for good service nationally).  Make an extra holiday pie for the single guy at the end of the street.  Find special ways to show the kids that this time of year about giving, not just receiving (if possible). 

I find it’s the people you least expect to be so generous.  It’s not people who own 2 or 3 homes, not the affluent, but the hand-to-mouth working class that can show such unselfish generosity.  In a small community, such as ours, these little efforts go a long way.  Even something as small as helping a friend by babysitting for an afternoon or doing a sink full of dishes can be a grand gesture of a gift. 

Give generosity this season and brighten the community!  Share your Random Acts of Kindness at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com or email sustainablysadie@hotmail.com.

Twin Bits

October artist at Debra’s Art Wall is Tom Agnetti.  There is a Halloween-themed party/ art reception Wednesday October 31, 4 pm to 5:30 pm at the TB Public Library.  Stop by for candy, punch and meet the artist while out trick-or-treating with the kids!

The GRVCCA Annual Ag Banquet, honoring our agriculture community and heritage, is Sat. Oct 27 at the Twin Bridges Airport.  Chris Noon is the contact person for this event, rkymtnsly@3rivers.net.  The GRVCCA is still in need of Table Sponsors for this event. 

Ruby Valley SAR is on Facebook…*Friend* our local Search And Rescue page to stay informed of trainings.

The Midway Colony Hutterites will be in Twin Bridges and Whitehall November 1^st and 2^nd selling Turkeys, Chickens, Squash, Potatoes, Bread, Rolls and More.  They will be set up at Main Street Park, next to the Fire Hall in Twin from noon to five on the 1^st and 8:30 am to 11 am on the 2^nd.   

From TBS Calendar:

Thurs Oct 25 to Sat Oct 27:  District Volleyball @ Butte MAC

Fri Oct 26:  End of 1^st Quarter

Sat Oct 27:  FB First Round Play-Offs (tba)

Mon Oct 29:  2^nd Qtr begins

Tues Oct 30:  Gibson Guitar Tour & Music Villa Field Trip; Grades 3 – 8 Mock Elections @ MT Room, am

Wed Oct 31:  Elem Halloween Parade, 2:30 pm

Thurs Nov 1:  Early Out, 12:30 pm; 1 pm – 8 pm Parent/ Teacher Conference

Nov 1-3:  VB Divisionals @ Butte

Fri Nov 2:  No School, Fall Day

Sat Nov 3:  FB Quarter Finals (tba)

Nov 21, 22, 23:  No School, Thanksgiving Vacation

I’m here to share news and events for the Ruby Valley.  Contact me at 684-5222, at above Sustainably Sadie addresses or snail mail, Box 491 TB 59754.