Let's all be kind

It was an article in Parade Magazine that inspired Mayor Pro Tem Susan Wiggins to launch a campaign called Be Kind. She explained, at a Kiwanis meeting, that the article suggested ways cities could promote kindness by supporting senior citizens, partnering with community groups, and encouraging the granting of scholarships. She realized our city was already doing these things, and perhaps we just needed to remind ourselves to be kind, to smile at people we see, to be slow to anger, and to help a stranger.

Wiggins arranged to buy 100 small yard signs with a happy face saying "Be Kind." She decided she could afford the $100 price tag, but was amazed as she passed out signs that people donated money to encourage the project. She now has extra money which she plans to use to print window stickers and distribute them around town.

Perhaps the campaign is already effective because Linda Pettitt, of Linda's Cakes and Things, made a smiley face cookie for each Kiwanis member. Another person recalled being very angry about a traffic situation when he remembered the sign posted in his yard--Be Kind. Thinking about that, he cooled off and continued to have a good day.

Kiwanis meets each Wednesday at noon at Big Papas Steakhouse in Tehachapi. However, the 5th Wednesday of the month meeting may sometimes be held at a different time and place.

For information about visiting a meeting or joining the organization, call (661) 822-5379.