Skydiver, 104, Says ‘Age Is Just A Number’: 9 Good News Stories

ACROSS AMERICA — Dorothy Hoffner recently completed her second skydive, sealing a Guinness World Record as she floated through the air.

Did we mention she is 104? And that her first leap of faith out an airplane was when she was 100? She needed a friendly push the first time. As a veteran, she jumped out ahead of the skydive instructor who would accompany her descent.

“Age is just a number,” the Chicago woman told reporters after she was safely on the ground. “It was wonderful up there. The whole thing was delightful, wonderful, couldn’t have been better.”

How does Hoffner top this? She has an idea. » By Jeff Arnold for Chicago Patch

A Lesson For Generations

The Life Christian Church in West Orange, New Jersey, has embarked on an interesting social experiment — handing out thousands of dollars to congregants with a simple request that they use the money to do a good deed. Lead Pastor Terry Smith told Patch’s Eric Kierfer the idea is to “put our money where our mouth is.” Not only is the small-but-profound act of paying for someone’s meal, for example, a practical way to bless someone else, he said, it can echo through generations. “Children will watch their parents pay for coffees, meals — you name it — and will catch this spirit of generosity,” Smith said. “Our goal is not a one-time act of charity. Our goal is for our community to become known for their generosity and for them to pass that discipline down to their children.” » A Patch Exclusive by Eric Kiefer for West Orange Patch

Future Community Leaders

A Girl Scout troop of fifth and sixth graders took on an adult-sized problem — food waste in Murrieta, California — that earned them a bronze award, the top award for their age group. The problem was a lack of awareness among city residents about where to property dispose of food waste. They fanned out at city events this summer to explain the composting program, using an inventive game to sell the concept. Murrieta City Manager Kristen Crane gave the girls high praise, calling them “future community leaders” who are undoubtedly on their way to a silver and gold awards in middle school and high school. » A Patch Exclusive by Ashley Ludwig for Murrieta Patch

‘We’re Just A Conduit To A Blessing’

In 2020, Amanda Simpson lost her Marine Corps veteran husband to suicide after suffering for years with PTSD. And in the beginning of September, she suffered another loss: Someone had stolen her memorial, a silhouette of a solider, from its spot high on a hill in front of her house in Ocean Acres, New Jersey. Dennis Addesso and other members of the local veterans group Ma Deuce Deuce, whose mission brings awareness to veteran suicides, knew they had to do something. They replaced it with a memorial that is more detailed and more personalized. “There’s really nothing we can't do right now because of our community, who gets our mission,” Addesso told Patch’s Veronica Flesher. “We like to say we’re just a conduit to a blessing.” » A Patch Exclusive by Veronica Flesher for Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch

$250K Gift Is Also A Challenge

George and Susan Petrovas recognize their privilege and drove home what’s at stake when they donated $250,000 to pay for a new ambulance and expedite replacement of one of the Newport, Rhode Island, fire department’s large apparatus engines. They’re fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world and feel an obligation to improve the quality of life in Newport, George Petrovas said as he prodded his neighbors to lean into community philanthropy. “Many people are just too busy and caught up with the day-to-day activities, that it is challenging to stop and appreciate what we have. …,” he said. ‘Improvement is always needed, so we encourage people to pick an organization they like to help and call them to offer support in any way possible.” » By Jimmy Bentley for Newport Patch

Right Place, Right Time, Right People

Sitting down at the bench press at New Lenox, Illinois, fitness center in early September was the last thing Bill Neubauer, 44, remembered before his heart attack. Neubauer, who usually works out with a run around the subdivision, was in the right place at the right time, surrounded by the right people. So was Lizzie Ritter. She sprang into action, and her chest compressions and the arrival of the gym staff with a defibrillator kept Neubauer alive until paramedics arrived. The immediate crisis was over. “It could have happened anywhere,” Neubauer told Patch’s Lauren Traut as he reflected on his good fortune to be at the gym when he had his heart attack. Ritter, who had recently failed her national EMT test and was questioning her career choice, harbors no doubts now. “I honestly felt like it was divine intervention for me,” she said. » A Patch Exclusive by Lauren Traut for New Lenox Patch

Right Place, Right Time: Part 2

Speaking of being at the right place and the right time, a woman trapped in a burning car in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, owes her life to Hernandez Aragon and Nathaniel Ragland. They cut the driver’s seat belt and pulled her out of the fiery vehicle, “a very courageous act,” the sheriff said, “and they should be recognized for the heroism.” » By Liam Griffin for Fredericksburg Patch

From The Heart

Sheri Johnson, of Elk Grove, California, has been living with her backward heart for 56 years. She was born with the condition known as transposition of the great arteries and underwent a life-saving surgery when she was 5. Doctors told her she might not live past her teens. She embraced her life — college and a career, a husband and kids — but the realization she could die at any moment was never completely gone from her thoughts. Nearly two years ago, she got a heart transplant. It has changed her life. She’s getting herself in shape for the 2024 Transplant Games of America’s 5K walk and bike ride. From the heart, it’s her way of thanking and honoring all involved in giving her “this great gift.” » By Anna Schier for Elk Grove Patch

Parting Shot

A ring-necked dove in California is lonesome no more. Her owner died without making provisions in her will for the dove’s care, and she’s lived since at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. She and other pets’ adoptions were an ordeal: Tropical Storm Hillary turned the desert into a swamp, requiring a 4-wheel drive through muddy water to take them to adoption events. » A Patch Exclusive by Ashley Ludwig for Palm Desert Patch

---