Kindness in Crisis

Simple acts of kindness and inspiration are coming from people who are reaching out to one another by acting in creative ways to uplift the spirits of those around them in their own special style through laughter, singing, sewing, etc. during the COVID-19 pandemic. With local news being scarce at this time with the closing of the schools, some businesses and community events, the Sentinel will be focusing on how resilient the human spirit is by showcasing Stockton’s “Kindness in Crisis” series while we get through this pandemic together…

FOOD FOR THE SOUL: Kind and thoughtful words go a long way anytime, but especially during this time in our lives, and Dixie and Bill Dibble at 183 Lanes and Cafe are going that extra mile when people stop by to pick up to-go orders from their eating establishment. Those who have ordered meals in the past few weeks from 183 Lanes are not only treated to that tasty cheeseburger and fries or daily special for their meal, they also get an uplifting note written in colorful markers on their take-out bags.

Of course, with the kind hearts of Dixie and Bill, these friendly notes began long before the pandemic when they would write on the take-out bags to their regular eat-in customers who couldn’t make it down to eat at the restaurant due to illness. Dixie said, “We just wanted them to know that we were thinking of them and wishing them well.”

Now that practice has taken on another wonderful twist at this time with Dixie and Bill writing notes of thanks for the community’s support. They said sometimes the note is a friendly hello or a reference to an individual’s hobby. Other times it is a note of support wishing that person well at their business, or even asking about their family pets. Just recently a lot of bags have been going out wishing everyone a “Happy Easter.” Dixie stated, “We use several shades of bright, colored markers or just one color depending on the day. We also think up the notes as we go, as well as draw goofy pictures on the bags.” One such bag was a picture of the work staff with different hair colors. And not only does a person get a personal note, they also get to see a friendly face when they pick up their to-go orders.

With a lot of places closed, 183 Lanes is still open during its regular business hours with everything now a “call-in for take-out” order. To help their customers, Bill puts the daily specials on their Facebook page every Sunday with instructions about pre-ordering when they have their fried chicken night. Plus, the daily specials are also on the recording when people call in their orders. And yes, they do have fountain drinks available and bags of their signature crushed ice for sale!

Also, while social distancing remains in place, Dixie and Bill are taking this time to teach their young staff the fundamentals of using a landline phone as well as a flip phone! They are even learning the art of counting back change!

Bill stated, “We are here for the duration and appreciate the support we are receiving from the community. We enjoy writing the notes and letting people know that we are here for them as well.”

So as we go through these trying times, the colorful notes of kindness on a white takeout bag may be a simple thing, but it helps us stay connected and brings a smile to our faces when it is needed.

ONE PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS: And a few pictures of smiling children says it all. That is the treat the residents and staff at the Solomon Valley Manor received from Tammy Miller’s day are kids. The Manor hosted a Spirit Week from March 30th through April 3rd with a different theme for each day of the week. Tammy saw it posted on Facebook, and since it read anyone could join in the fun, that is exactly what Tammy and her crew decided to do. The kids dressed up every day and Tammy sent pictures to the Manor to be enjoyed by one and all.

Monday’s theme was pretty easy since it was “Sweatpants Day” which is pretty relatable to everyone these days. Tuesday was “Red/White and Blue Day” followed by “Camouflage Day” on Wednesday. “Crazy Hair Day” was Thursday, and Friday finished out the Spirit Week with “Sports Day.” Tammy said, “The kids

Tammy said, “The kids enjoyed dressing up every day, but Crazy Hair Day was pretty epic!” When asked if she joined in the fun on that day, Tammy just laughed and said, “My hair is always crazy!”

Once the kids were decked out each day, Tammy lined them all up for a group picture as well as individual pictures, which she sent to the Manor. The pictures were then posted on the Facebook page to be shared with the community. One of the comments read, “Tammy’s Daycare is really rocking the dressup days!” And we have to agree! The residents also made it known to Tammy that they loved seeing the kids and their smiles!

Tammy stated, “Anything besides all the negative stuff nowadays is much needed and the entire reason we joined in on the fun!”

(Since the Sentinel decided to write this series, we have received quite a few notices of people reaching out to others in hundreds of different and imaginative ways. We will try to pass along as many of these uplifting articles as we can throughout the next several weeks, and we deeply appreciate everyone doing what they can to help one another.)