Lola Thomas is like any other 9-year old. She loves the color pink and unicorns. However, Thomas has one difference, she was born with spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when a baby is developing. When the cells that form the brain and spinal cord of a baby don’t fully close, the backbone that protects the spine doesn’t form completely. Thomas is in a wheelchair and even though 4M children have this disability, she’s faced severe bullying from classmates, leading to her diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Nevertheless, she didn’t let the negative comments from her schoolmates keep her down.
Jimmy King, longtime political leader in Ward C, dies at age 78
Updated Apr 28, 2021;
Posted Apr 28, 2021
Jimmy King, on the far left, along with Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. John the Baptist churches, delivered over 600 meals to individuals in need throughout Jersey City, as well as a few hundred that walked in the doors of the St. John s auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2014. Richard J. McCormack | For The Jersey Journal EJAEJA
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James P. “Jimmy” King, a longtime political operative and Thanksgiving Day dinner host, has died.
King, 78, was born and raised in Jersey City. He spent years serving as a committeeman in Journal Square, a neighborhood he never left. King was married for 57 years to his wife Michelina “Cookie” King.
Chamber Spotlight: First batch of love letters to Brookline businesses
Deborah Good Miller, executive director, Brookline Chamber of Commerce
There’s still time for you to share your Love Letters to Brookline Businesses. Until April 1st, submit a story about a Brookline business that you love. Let that business know that you care, inform others, and be featured on the Chamber s social media – by name or anonymously. Submit your story here: tinyurl.com/BrooklineLoveLetters
These Brookline Businesses are Loved:
Brothers & Sisters Co. is an essential stop on Station Street in Brookline Village. The friendly, creative team is helmed by entrepreneur Jamie Siracusa, who dreamed of running a cafe. After apprenticing to Eli and Ali of Kookoo Cafe, she took over the business, bringing new life and vision to a delicious Brookline mainstay. During COVID, she s been safely serving coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and now delicious ice cream through the window. It s love at first bite! –
At their meeting on Tuesday, March 2, the Rotary Club of Chatham welcomed three new members: Justin Price, the director of the Pittsylvania County Department of Parks and Recreation; Marilyn Waller, the Community Engagement Coordinator for Haven of the Dan River Region at their Chatham office; and Brent Weinkauf, director of the Pittsylvania Pet Center. All three new members have been attending meetings and participating in Club activities, including the Thanksgiving Dinner meal distribution last November. We are happy to welcome Justin, Marilyn and Brent, who all bring new ideas and energy to the club, said President Nick Morris.
The Chatham Rotary Club had to cancel its annual fundraiser last year due to the pandemic, but the club has remained active, meeting in person and virtually on Tuesdays at the Chatham Community Center.
Dansville businessman, community leader, philanthropist remembered for making a difference
By Jasmine Willis
DANSVILLE A community mourns the loss of a great businessman, community leader, friend and humanitarian.
Jon Shay, 78, passed away at Noyes Hospital on Monday, Jan. 18. He left behind an enriching legacy that cannot be replaced or measured.
Jon Shay touched every life in his hometown of Dansville and beyond. People called him Mr. Dansville. They will tell you he was everywhere at once. He was at all of the events, impacted every life he touched, and made you believe in yourself.
Tom Wamp, Dansville Rotary Club member and a childhood friend, said Jon Shay was the key to making anything a success in the community.