11 Good News Stories: Human Triumph; Pig, Cat and Puppy Dog Tales

ACROSS AMERICA — Lawrence Hamm has proudly been stirring the pot of what the great civil rights activist John Lewis called the “good trouble” for 50 years.

The Newark, New Jersey, man was 17 on March 24, 1971, when he led a student walkout and subsequent sit-in to support striking teachers. His presentation of 27 demands so impressed the school board that he was given a seat at the table with full voting rights, a decision that made him the youngest voting school board member in the United States.

“I’ve been an activist ever since,” Hamm told Patch. “It was the beginning of my life’s work.”

And in doing so, he has earned a reputation as one of the most tenacious progressive activists in the Garden State. » By Eric Kiefer for Newark, New Jersey, Patch

“Shark Tank” Could Sweeten Deal

By the time she landed a chance to pitch her invention to investors on the ABC reality show “Shark Tank,” Rebecca Romanucci already had secured the endorsement from people she cares a lot about: military veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder. Because of PTSD symptoms that may be triggered by a stranger at the door and a proliferation of porch pirates prowling for packages, delivery service isn’t always easy to come by. The Scottsdale, Arizona, nurse’s solution is DynoSafe, a climate-controlled, smart home-integrated lock box that secures packages for safe, unattended, contact-free delivery. » By Christopher Boan for Scottsdale, Arizona, Patch

An Army Of Angels

It started as a scramble to try to find COVID-19 vaccine appointments for their loved ones. It has since expanded into an army of "angels" working to get Somerset County, New Jersey, locals vaccinated. "We started this group because more than anything, we want to help protect our community and the best way to do that is to ensure its most vulnerable citizens are protected first," said Jennifer Feigley, a member of the 32-member strong volunteer group. » By Alexis Tarrazi for Bridgewater, New Jersey, Patch

“Look,” He Said, “It’s Possible.”

Three years after using his birthday money to launch his luxury-lifestyle clothing brand SPERGO, Trey Brown is opening a pop-up shop in the Pentagon City neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia. His brand isn’t just about looking good. He started his business to make a statement to other kids in Philadelphia. “There’s just so much violence. Kids killing kids. Kids killing each other. I just wanted to show the youth, ‘Look, it’s possible. You can have a business. You can be successful.’ ” » By Michael O’Connell for Arlington, Virginia, Patch

Finally Able To Cradle Baby

A Duluth, Georgia, woman was finally able to hold her newborn baby for the first time since January after spending several months in the hospital battling COVID-19 infection. Although Daysi Marcillo is now home with her son, Ragnar, she faces an uphill battle in her recovery. She was pregnant in January when she contracted the virus, and her condition was so grave she was placed on a ventilator in a medically induced coma. Her recovery is a credit to prayer circles in Puerto Rico, in Jamaica and, well, “everywhere, just praying for Daysi,” her sister-in-law says. » By Andy Nguyen for Duluth, Georgia, Patch

Happy 100th Birthday, Sir

Members of American Legion Post 479 in the Toledo, Ohio, area hopped on their motorcycles last weekend to help Marion Lehman celebrate his 100th birthday and to honor him for his service to the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. “He really appreciates this,” his son said of the parade and proclamation. » By Tim Moran for Cleveland Patch

In Lieu of Flowers, Kindness

Brian Garrett was one of those guys people counted on. Before he got sick with COVID-19, the 6-foot-4-inch Denver man described as a “gentle giant” with a “huge heart” was a guy who “would do anything for anyone and loved everyone.” He lived life large in all the best ways. To properly honor him, his family says, do this one small thing: Be kind to others. » By Megan VerHelst for Denver Patch

Unicorn-Thieving Dog Adopted

It’s really the cutest thing. A stray dog with street smarts and swagger kept breaking into the same North Carolina Dollar General store and trying to steal the same stuffed unicorn. They made quite a picture — the tough-looking dog described as sassy and full of attitude cuddling with plush purple toy — and the stray that had lived on the streets found a home. » By Beth Dalbey for Charlotte, North Carolina, Patch

Another Dog’s Miracle Tale

A dog that fell into the icy Detroit River that separates Michigan and Canada earned his new name — Miracle — and also the warm, loving environment of his adopted home. After climbing out of the water, he spent four days clinging to life on the river ice, dodging the coyotes and eagles that saw him as prey and the Coast Guard icebreakers cutting through the ice. » By Joey Oliver for Detroit Patch

Pig Tales ...

A couple of potbellied pigs caught a break, too. These intelligent, affectionate animals are popular pets until they’re not — which often happens when they start raiding the refrigerator, chewing up Dad’s favorite slippers or digging up the flower garden as they root around for something to eat. They’re often abandoned, the recent fate of two potbellied piglets in Florida that not only have been adopted, but have found new best friends. » By D’Ann Lawrence White or Tampa, Florida, Patch

… And Cat Tales

Bernie surely has some. Margaret Burcham figured she’d never see her tabby cat after he ran away from her home in Kentucky about five years ago. When she moved to Dayton, Ohio, a reunion seemed even more unlikely. Bernie was microchipped, though, and when he turned up at a shelter in Waco, Texas, the seemingly impossible was possible. » By Tim Moran for Cleveland Patch