Pass it Forward

I took Emmy for a walk a couple of weeks ago during Farmers Market. It was a lovely afternoon, and everyone seemed glad to be out and about. I returned to my car and was urging Emmy to jump in, when another dog came by that was overly enthusiastic. Confusion reigned for a moment, but I got Emmy into the car and drove home. Suddenly, when my phone was nowhere to be found, I realized that I had driven off with it perched on the hood of the car. Yes, it was an idiotic place to put my phone. In a panic, I drove back to where I had been parked, but there was no phone to be found. My husband, Jon, called my number and, thankfully, someone answered. I was overjoyed. I arranged to meet the person who had my phone in front of Safeway. Two teenage boys rode up on their bicycles and handed it over. I offered them money as a thank you, but the boys refused and asked me to pass their good will forward, instead. These young men did not appear particularly affluent, and my guess is they could have used the money. But that wasn’t their priority. Being good and kind citizens of the world was their only motivation.

November is a month of thanks and giving. Thanks for what we have, and thanks that we can give to others. Our community is compassionate and philanthropic. We have many service organizations, nonprofits and charities of all sizes that can be counted on to help those who require assistance. In this issue we highlight St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and their ongoing mission to feed the hungry in Benicia. The church hosts free dinner for anyone in need of a meal 2 times a week, on Monday and Wednesday. Their Thanksgiving dinner is a special time of food, fun and comradery for all.

For many of us, November is the beginning of the Holiday Season. We want to stretch the shopping, eating, and celebrating for as long as possible. That’s why we are running the Holiday Gift Guide for two months, to give you time to plan and enjoy Benicia shopping. Don’t forget Main Street’s wine walk on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27th. Explore the shops, old favorites and new.

Spend time with family and friends to celebrate and take a moment to reflect on all that makes you grateful. Enjoy this month to the fullest!

Mary

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”

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