DON McCORMACK
In the 2000 movie, “Pay It Forward,” the young star of the flick, Haley Joel Osment, comes up with an idea that takes off and spreads like wildfire.
While my “Thankful Fors...” concept hasn’t quite caught on like the idea in “Pay It Forward” did just yet, they do continue to trickle in, including another heartfelt one that was hand delivered to my desk yesterday.
In case you missed the first announcement a couple of weeks ago, Loyal Readers, here’s what I’d love to hear from you — whom or what are you thankful for?
That’s all.
Period.
Here’s your chance to tell anyone in the world how much you appreciate them. It could be anyone. It could be the kid who delivers your Star Beacon every day. It could be the neighbor who shovels your sidewalk in the winter and mows your lawn in the summer. It could be family, friends, etc. ... you name it, I’ll listen.
I will package them and they will appear as a centerpiece around Thanksgiving.
The “Thankful Fors... ” I’ve received to this point are, in a word, tremendous. Perusing them, it’s obvious that despite what is commonly portrayed in this day and age, there are not only still an awful lot of good people out there, but also people who appreciate them.
So please, take a few minutes and let me know about the important people who have, and/or, still do, make a difference in your life.
Here’s your chance, Loyal Readers, to give credit where you believe is past due. Think about how many times you have said to yourself or anyone else, “that Star Beacon should do a story about (fill in the blank). They do so many wonderful things and never get recognized for them.”
And remember, I’ve made it a Don Rule — if you don’t take the time to submit a “Thankful For... ” and let the whole wide world know about the special people in your life, you’re forbidden from approaching me and saying, “You should do a story on... (fill in the blank)!”
The story “Tommy and Shirley” that appeared in our Wednesday, Oct. 14 edition, originated from a one-page, hand-written note that came as a response to our requests for “Magic Moments,” meaning what makes Friday night high school football so special to you.
There are so many wonderful stories to be told, perhaps your “Thankful For... ” can provide some really neat ideas.
In the next week or two, you will have the opportunity to read profiles of two special people, one by former Star Beacon staff Pamela Gran and the other by yours truly.
By submitting your “Thankful Fors... ,” you just might steer us in the direction of another.
Here’s how you can get them to me, Loyal Readers:
n By email — donmac@suite224.net.
n By fax — 998-7938.
n Hand delivery to the Star Beacon offices — 4626 Park Avenue, Ashtabula.
n Snail mail — P.O. Box 2100, Ashtabula, Ohio 44005-2100.
Please include your name and telephone number with your submissions. The telephone number won’t be published.
Oh, by the way, if you happen to run across a certain legendary girls basketball coach when you’re out and about, ask him if he could find it in his heart to return my copy of “Pay It Forward,” which also featured Helen Hunt, Kevin Spacey, Jay Mohr, Angie Dickinson and Jon Bon Jovi.
He’s only been watching the ending for a short time.
As in, two years.
McCormack is the sports editor if the Star Beacon. Reach him at donmac@suite224.net.
