RAOK: A cupcake changes the mood for the day
Erin Bechtol and three friends are going to see Gizmo Guys on Jan. 27 — all because she was nice to her boss and Tahoe Arts Project donated the tickets.
Erin is Lake Tahoe News’ Random Acts of Kindness winner. The thoughtfulness toward her boss was returned by Erin being nominated in the monthlong RAOK promotion.
TAP is one of the many organizations/businesses providing a reward for people who perform a Random Act of Kindness, witness one or receive one.
To get involved, all you have to do is write about a Random Act of Kindness at the bottom of this story. Each day a new story is posted, with a new winner getting a reward.
There are a few rules associated with Random Acts of Kindness. If you want to read them, check out this story.
This might be considered an odd entry, but I consider it an honorable ROAK. One day last January, I was saddened by the large amount of dog poop littering the snow-covered trail at East Cove, so I took a large 5-gallon bucket & shovel on my walk and picked up the piles and piles left behind by their inconsiderate owners. It was enough to fill the bucket. Pretty disgusting! But, I think everyone enjoyed the trail a whole lot more once the poops were gone.
Note: East Cove currently has been looking nice, but I think that’s because the off-leash dogs are going off the trail…we’ll see what happens when the snow comes again (and the dogs stay on the packed snow of the trail)
Many dog-walkers do not bring poop bags when exercising their dogs – which is really too bad. On popular trails, it would be great to have bag dispensers and a drop can (such as at Kiva Beach). Perhaps they could be donated by business, or funded by a dog-walk fundraiser. The service road trail from Lodi-Barbara to the river, is always full of poop during the winter, and kids & parents going sledding have to navigate this crappy situation.
Cove East has two poop bag dispensers, and still people don’t pick up after their pets. I understand, I guess, about people not picking up out in the forest. After all, who picks up after the coyotes? But on a public trail, especially when there are bags and trash cans supplied, well, that’s just being a clod.
I nominate Jen G. who was written about today and all the work she is doing in Africa and has done locally. While, clearly not random, it is kindness.