Fred Rogers.

I was feeling melancholy last night. Anniversary of the death of a good friend. The news both local and national has been horrible with some of the behavior of people in power.

I was seeking some good news something that I could tangibly sink my teeth into and make me feel better.

I then remembered Fred Rogers. So I decided to see what was on You Tube. I found a rare interview he did with Gary Collins from 1986.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHF3AySDMKU

A number of years ago before Fred's death, our children (around 7 & 4) went to a local church in our area to meet with members of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. It was a community building event put on by the "Neighborhood."

About a dozen large refrigerator boxes had been donated for the event. The kids broke up into groups of 3-4 and began to create their own "box neighborhood." Paint and brushes were also donated and for the better part of the next 2 hours kids and parents created this incredible neighborhood.

Then as a treat at the end of the creating time, Mr. McFeeley the postman came and delivered mail and a message from Fred Rogers.

After watching the interview with Gary Collins I found this other video from 1969 that has Fred Rogers talking to the US Senate about funding for the proposed Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a41lJIhW7fA

I felt better going to bed last night after watching these videos.

One of the ways my wife and I try and combat some the junk on the airwaves and other media is to present a radio show that puts forth uplifting stories and other information where people can step in and make a positive difference.

I am grateful and thankful for Fred Rogers. And even to this day will find myself watching re-runs on PBS with my older kids. Fred is still very cool in their eyes and mine too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcvRMHz4mb4

You should consider going to a Guide Dogs For The Blind graduation at the campus in Boring some time and doing a report on that. It can be a real tear jerker sometimes, tears of sadness from the puppy raiser giving away the pup that they have raised and at the same time tears of joy for the blind person recieving these wonderful companions! They are always on Saturdays. Here are the dates for some graduations:
March 8
April 5
May 3
May 31
June 28
July 26
We went to last Saturdays graduation were 11 blind people recieved guide dogs, "Soul Mates".

http://video.guidedogs.com/soulmates.wmv

http://video.guidedogs.com/raisers.wmv

Thanks DT. You have mentioned this before. We also have known families who have worked with guide dogs. Graduation is a day filled with mixed emotions.

Well it's a good group and one we are involved with so naturally i'm gonna pimp it! Hey, these people receive no federal funding and rely solely on donation's and volunteer's. I'm happy we can be a part of it!

Just look at what we have to work with. Once Bitten Forever Hooked!
http://www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au/uploads/RTEmagicC_Q-litter-running_01.jpg.jp g