Weekly Uplifting Stories - Week of July 3rd, 2023

Welcome back to another edition of Uplifting Stories! 

Sometimes, we don't even recognize the people in our lives who make our days a little brighter. But they're there.

Maybe it's the lady who drives your bus every morning. Or the cheerful barista who hands you that delicious latte on your way to work. Or the little kid who waves at you from their window when you walk your dog. 

Once you start thinking about it, you'll notice it more. Really! 

This week we have found some inspiring stories about:

• A school security guard who goes the extra mile to help his students
• A tram in Antwerp, Belgium that was turned into a moving garden to inspire people to take up urban gardening
• California Governor announces expansion of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program, giving kids under 5 a free book each month
• An 11-year-old farmer who raises 37 sheep, 12 chickens and 2 cows

Churchville, NY School Security Guard Aims to Make Sure Students Are Successful

Affectionately known as, "Mr. C," Churchville-Chili High School security guard Thomas Campopiano starts every weekday by meeting kids at the bus loop. 

‘‘I love to greet the kids. I love to see their faces. I enjoy, really to be honest with you, having fun with them. You know, we’re not just security. We’re part of the family with the kids.’’ Campopiano said.

Having worked at the school for the last two decades, the kids are used to Mr. C and his lovable antics, such as singing at the bus drop off, being a cheerleader at school sports games, hosting clubs and even talking on the school's PA system. 

Especially after seeing the results of pandemic isolation, Mr. C keeps a keen eye on the students as they pass him by, and he is proud to be a positive presence in their lives. Many students will go to him for a hug, a chat or a walk when someone is having a bad day. 

‘‘No matter if they’re having a bad day, our best interest is to make sure they’re successful. And when I see them graduate across that stage, I feel like I was part of it to make their lives for all those years. I feel so proud that I was a part of their lives.’’

Antwerp's Moving Garden Hopes to Inspire Citizens to Get Their Green Thumb On

How do you encourage people to get more interested in gardening? In a recent initiative by local council called Neighborhood in Bloom in Antwerp, Belgium, they inspire them by filling unusual spaces with lush greenery. 

They created a mobile moving garden in a 35-meter long tram, filling every available space with plants, including the ceiling, in between the seats and on the roof. The council hoped that the one day event would inspire people to find other creative applications for gardens and greenery. 

Those living in the central district of the city can request plants, garlands to hang between houses across streets, and trees from the council. The council will also offer financial assistance for those wanting to purchase a rainwater collection barrel to water their gardens.¹

 Urban areas tend to be much hotter than in the more rural areas, who have the benefit of shade from trees and bushes, as well as less people. On top of beautifying the area, encouraging urban gardening can help lower temperatures in cities, as well as attract more wildlife, such as birds and squirrels. 

California to Launch Expansion of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Offering Free Books for Kids Under 5

We all know the incredible Dolly Parton from stage, screen and song, but did you know that she started an initiative where kids under 5 can get a free book sent to them each month?

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library was started in 1995 to benefit children in her home county in East Tennessee. Now, her program exists in countries around the world - and has gifted over 211 million books to kids under 5!

“When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer.

The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.” - Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library website

Earlier this month, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state is launching an expansion of the Imagination Library to make the program available to all Californian children under 5 to receive a free book by mail every month. This expansion is expected to 'fully cover the state by 2028'.²

***If you would like to see if you qualify for free books for a child in your life, click on this link (We are not affiliated with this program.) - Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

An 11-Year-Old Farmer Who Owns 37 Sheep, 12 Chickens, 2 Cows & a Border Collie Named Spud

11-year-old Joe Trofer-Cook knew he wanted to be a farmer as soon as his grandad, Pete, set him up with a raised bed of his own for his 7th birthday. From there, Joe started growing potatoes and cabbage, selling them to locals from a trolley in front of his house in Billinghay, Lincolnshire, a village in England. 

He started buying his own seeds, selling more produce and saving up enough for 3 chickens, then his first 4 female sheep - Rhubarb, Strawberry, Pumpkin and Radish. A local recently gifted him a wheel, so now Joe is also learning how to spin sheep's wool. His business just keeps growing.

"Driving tractors, spending time with animals, playing with them, just being outside with my animals and having fun really, building as well." - Joe Trofer-Cook, on what he enjoys most about farming

Joe's mum, Clare, says that farming and being with his animals has really helped Joe, who was diagnosed with Autism during COVID and also struggles with anxiety. 

Joe says he was born to be a farmer, and his hard work and dedication to his dream is truly inspirational! 

Have a Great Week Everyone! 

Do you feel uplifted? Are you inspired to go out and spread joy wherever you go? 

You don't have to, no pressure. Just remember that what you put out into the world comes back to you. Let it be positivity and good vibes. Have a terrific week ahead and take care of yourselves. 

As always, if you have a story to share, please reach out to us in the comments below, or message us on our Instagram page. 

Photo by Stephen Andrews on Unsplash 

^{1  From EuroNews original article}

^{2 From Spectrum News 1 original article}