By Jerry duPhily
Publishing a monthly magazine in the age of TikTok has its challenges. It also has its rewards.
One of those is being at the nexus of inspiring community stories. For 38 years, Out & About has been sharing such stories — as a result, we’re pitched fresh ideas on a near-daily basis. It’s flattering. And stimulating.
Each week, we sit down and talk through potential content for future issues. During that process, we review the latest suggestions from our readers. We also work into our discussion potential ideas we’ve discovered.
It’s an exercise that’s not only productive but invigorating. Negative news may be good for clicks, but positive news is good for the soul. Four of these good-for-the-soul stories appear in this month’s feature, Circles of Hope.
Sean’s House, West End Neighborhood House, Lasagna Love and One Village Alliance are small organizations doing big things in our community. They’re spotlighted not because they stand above, but because they represent community can-do — identify a problem and provide a solution. No problem has ever been solved by merely affixing blame.
Which brings me to a pivot point in this column: the importance of two simple words pertinent to this discussion — thank you. Their value is not diminished by repeated use.
It’s a point my wife makes often. On those occasions when I fail to use them, then attempt to justify the behavior by arguing it was implied by my “pleasant tone,” she looks at me as if I just skimped on the tip.
She’s right. Why leave it to chance? Just say thank you.
So, thank you, Sean’s House, West End Neighborhood House, Lasagna Love and One Village Alliance. You’re representative of the many organizations who exemplify one definition of community we would all benefit from remembering — a feeling of fellowship with others.
While I’m at it, thank you, readers, for your suggestions. Please . . . keep them coming.
