Acts of kindness, reasons to cheer
Lacerating politics, terror fears, and fatal encounters with police followed by slayings of officers have made this a joyless summer for too many Americans. Perhaps that heightens the gratitude in south-central Kansas for acts of kindness and reasons to cheer.
An example of the latter, the National Baseball Congress World Series returns Friday through Aug. 13 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. A Kansas Stars team of mostly former major leaguers including Roger Clemens and Tim Hudson has ignited interest in this 82nd tournament.
But its pleasures are as fundamental as ever, starting with seeing future pros and other young talents sharpen their skills and athleticism on a storied ball field. Because a nonprofit foundation took it over two years ago, the NBC is not only a good time but also a good cause.
Another heartening annual tradition will return at 10 a.m. Aug. 6 at Bethel Life Center, 3777 S. Meridian. The Convoy of Hope anticipates offering donated goods and services to 10,000 people this year. The outpouring of caring is a credit to many local partnering organizations and businesses, as well as a testament to how many of our neighbors need a hand.
Wichita drew national praise – and the police chief earned a White House invitation – for the First Steps Community Cookout, the inspiring July 17 event held by the Police Department and Black Lives Matter activists during which nearly 2,000 people ate burgers and sought common ground.
This month also offered the thrill of seeing the B-29 known as “Doc” take flight again, 16 years and thousands of volunteer hours after its restoration began.
And diverse individuals recently came together to right wrongs in two unexpected ways.
Responding to an article in The Eagle’s Neighbors section, one group donated money to add a headstone in Maple Grove Cemetery and properly honor Nannie Jones. She was an African-American woman who sued and, remarkably, won a $400 jury award after being denied admittance to a Wichita amusement park in 1908.
Then there was “Support Le Monde Day,” when diners flocked to the small Mediterranean restaurant at 602 N. West St. last week to counter an ugly anti-Muslim online comment.
“I want to thank him,” said Ghassan Hajeh, who runs the restaurant, of the Facebook post’s author. “He helped me a lot. He showed me how beautiful Wichita is.”
Such beauty stokes hope that this tough summer still can end well.
This story was originally published July 29, 2016 at 12:07 AM with the headline "Acts of kindness, reasons to cheer."