Good causes are just a click away

Turning the calendar to January gives each of us another chance to refocus on priorities that may have slid under the radar during the last couple of months. Generally, one of my daily routines as I hop on the Internet is hitting Greater Good Clicks. There are opportunities to support many causes, including veterans, breast cancer, animal rescue, hunger, autism, rain forests and literacy. You can click one issue or many, but only once a day. To the best of my knowledge, there are no Your Corner organizations directly benefiting from this program, but still the effort is worthwhile. My favorites are the new veterans site launched last March, currently providing roughly 12,000 meals a month for homeless and hungry veterans. Thanks to breast cancer clicks, more than 2,000 women receive free mammograms each year. The hunger site has been operational since 1999; usually the clicks garner between 5 and 8 million pounds of food delivered in this country and around the world. In the last decade, the animal rescue site has annually provided about 30 million pounds of food to shelters and rescue sanctuaries. If you’d like to do one small thing each day to help someone or something outside your neighborhood, tear out this column and put it next to your computer. Next January, you’ll know you helped to make a difference for people and considerations close to your heart. There are bonus clicks for Facebook interaction. Interestingly, Dec. 23 was the lowest click day for all of the Greater Good sites; last-minute Christmas pressure apparently mitigated folks thinking beyond their most urgent priorities.

Congratulations to new Eagle Scout Greg Swanson, valedictorian graduate of Norfolk Christian School who now attends the University of Virginia. His Eagle project was building swing sets and refurbishing the playground at Oakland Christian Church. Church members helped offset some of the expense by signing up to donate individualized bricks that could be used for memorial or honorary purposes. Greg has been scouting since 1999 and has attended two national jamborees and the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, went on a 110-mile canoe trip through Canada, and was fishing, snorkeling and kayaking with Florida Sea Base 2011. Greg was surrounded by Troop 16 members, family and friends at the Eagle Court of Honor on Dec. 17 at Oakland Christian. Uncle Bob Swanson gave the Eagle Charge and Challenge and led the Eagle Scout Promise. Dad Bill Swanson is delighted to see his son entering the Eagle elite, an achievement that he said lasts a lifetime.

Creekside Elementary School’s pre-holiday performance of “The Jungle Book” surely was as memorable for the students, faculty, staff and parents as it was for the audience. Rehearsals had been under way since October, and it was obvious to this observer that Jungle Fever enthusiasm was infectious. Virtually everything was over the top! The scenery, sets, costumes, vocals, choreography were excellent. Upon entering the school lobby I was immersed in the vines and greenery of the rain forest which continued into the auditorium. I loved the green slink of Kaa’ the boa that was ably orchestrated by 15 girls; the Silverback gorillas had rhythm and panache; and the marching elephants were reasonably synchronized considering their visual limitations. Details were remarkable; the tropical bird chorus was quite individualized, no two were alike. One of the most novel features I saw on a few individuals were bright yellow bird feet. Upon closer scrutiny I discovered they were wearing yellow rubber gloves on their feet. Bravo to music teacher Jamel Gibson and all 110 cast members for producing an extraordinary show. Never underestimate an elementary school taking on Broadway!     

Did your teen get a new chess set for Christmas? If so, tonight’s the night at the North Suffolk Library for a practice session or two. The first Wednesday of each month is dedicated to teens between 12 and 19 who want to hone their chess skills for a tournament planned for May. The session from 6 to 7:30 p.m. is at 2000 Bennett’s Creek Park Road. If you can’t make it this evening but want to learn more for February and beyond, call Sarah Newton at 514-7150.

Do you have a story to share about yourself, a family member or neighbor? Let me know at k.billue@charter.net.

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