9 Good News Stories: Sophie Klisman Tells A Story Everyone Should Hear

ACROSS AMERICA — Sophie Klisman, 93, has spent the last few years of her life fighting and raising awareness about hatred, bigotry, prejudice and antisemitism. The West Bloomfield, Michigan, woman has plenty of motivation, stemming from a vile time in her life.

“Being a Holocaust survivor, she felt it was important to continue to educate others since hatred and genocide continue in our world,” Lori Klisman Ellis said of her mother, who only started speaking about her experiences five years ago.

She also volunteers at The Zekelman Holocaust Center in nearby Farmington Hills, tells her story at local schools and maintains contact with a local man who helped liberate her from a concentration camp near the end of World War II. As part of the Friends of Israel Defense Forces, she has traveled to Israel and Poland to tell her story.

“Her story leaves an impact on everyone she touches,” Klisman’s daughter said. » By Dylan Siwicki for Farmington-Farmington Hills Patch

Mike’d Up For Bachelor Party

Peter Archibald’s mission was seemingly simple enough: Plan a bachelor party for his best friend and long-time roommate that would create a weekend that wouldn’t soon be forgotten. Having the whole thing go viral thanks to an homage to the groom-to-be’s beloved Chicago Bears was never the plan. But that was out of his control when 19 Mike Ditka lookalikes (top photo) showed up in Atlanta for Sunday’s Bears-Falcons game as part of Jake Mazanke’s bachelor party. The NFL and Bears took note of the contingent dressed like the coach who led the Bears to the 1985 Super Bowl championship, and so did the rest of the social media world. » By Jeff Arnold for Chicago Patch

‘Accidental Grandmother’

Yes, Wanda Dench, 65, and Jamal Hinton, 23, made plans to break bread together for Thanksgiving again this year, just as they have since 2016 when Dench accidentally texted Hinton and invited him over for the holiday. The invitation stood even after they’d sorted out that Dench hadn’t reached her grandson, but a complete stranger. “Can I still get a plate tho?” he asked back then in what has become a viral text exchange. “Of course you can,” Dench replied. “That's what grandmas do … feed everyone.” The story of their friendship has circled the globe in the past six years, serving as a springboard for conversations about friendships, family and what we can all learn from each other. If this sounds like a plot for a holiday movie, stay tuned. That’s in the works, too. » By Beth Dalbey for Phoenix Patch

One Joyful Gift At A Time

Izzy Wagner, like many people, emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic with a resolve to make a difference in the lives of others, even if it meant starting with something small. It’s called Joyful Gifts, a group involving 35 students at Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, Illinois, where Wagner is a sophomore. Their goal is simple — to bring a smile to children who otherwise may have no reason to. Most recently, Joyful Gifts sent about 90 gift bags of craft items that can be turned into art projects to children at the pediatric unit at a nearby hospital. The kids aren’t the only beneficiaries.“It’s really cool to know that I got to make a difference,” Wagner told Patch. “You see all the kids here at Lincoln-Way East that are getting involved, and they’re getting to make a difference, too – and that’s really special.” » By Jeff Arnold for Frankfort (Illinois) Patch

That Time Spam Was Figgy Pudding

Whether this is good news has yet to pass the taste test, but it’s strange and holiday-ish in a “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” kind of way. Figgy Pudding Spam became a thing you know about now — just as you were riddling, “What is figgy pudding, anyway?” » By Beth Dalbey for Across America Patch

‘The Long Nose Of The Law’

A killer might still be on the loose in Hudson County, New Jersey, if not for the long nose of the law — a police bloodhound named Remi, who tracked him for two miles a couple of years ago. That detail only became public knowledge earlier this year when Remi and her handler, Police Det. Timothy Griffin, were given a commendation by the Stevens Institute of Technology, where the crime occurred. Sadly, Remi died in June after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. But there is some good news — Remi’s half sister will be joining the Maywood Police Department.

On The Wrong Side Of The Law

A small herd of donkeys and miniature horses turned up where they didn’t belong the other day in Howard County, Maryland, and getting them back where they did belong was harder than they expected. The trespassing animals had to be coaxed with snacks, encouraging words and a few scratches between the ears. “I didn’t have ‘tackling a mini horse’ on my bingo card today,” said one of the officers involved in the hilarious roundup. » By Kristin Danley-Greiner for Ellicott City (Maryland) Patch

Also Wanted: ‘Master Escape Artist’

Here’s more animal trouble: Police in Bradenton, Florida, said Bentley, a 135-pound St. Bernard who escaped from his yard last summer to take a stroll through a Dollar General store, was “up to his old tricks again” the other day. But to be fair, they added, “it was his birthday, and he was celebrating with a walkabout.” Police have called him a “master escape artist.” » By Tiffany Razzano for Bradenton (Florida) Patch

Parting Shot

“Leonardo DiCatbrio,” the name given to a Eurasian lynx that roamed the streets of Central Islip, New York, for most of the summer and fall, won’t have to fend for himself any longer. The lynx was probably someone’s illegal pet, according to the wildlife rescuers who rounded him up. Leo has a good home now, at an ecology center, where he can be a lynx again. Malnourished when he was found, Leo weighs about 50 pounds now and may grow to 70 pounds. Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Chief Roy Gross said the center is the best place for the cat. “It’s got plenty of room to run around. It’s got his toys in there. It’s very well cared for.” He joins a menagerie of wild animals and birds, including a bison, bald eagle and bobcat. » By Peggy Spellman Hoey for Sachem (New York) Patch

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