Best Bits: October Scary Goblins – Be Brave!
There is a smidgen of “urgency” underlying our Best Bits roundup of the past few weeks, a compelling reminder that right where situations look their most desperate, right there are people overcoming incredible obstacles to save lives. October is already shaping up to be a little scary in the news, and we haven’t even come to Halloween! But as Mr. Rogers said, look for the helpers…so we are bringing a few to your view.
California in October – When Heroes are Seen
Devastating fires in October have plagued California for some years now. The weather conditions of extreme dryness and wind exacerbate the danger of sparks from outdoor home or farm equipment, careless matches or cigarettes. This year for the first time, the power utilities shut down regional electrical grids of millions of customers for several days to prevent any sparks from possible downed power lines. Prevention is wise – but when danger happens, it’s good to know there are inspired Helpers at hand, like KT McNulty of Santa Rosa, California.
Dispatcher Named Best in America
We heard more details of this nationally-recognized hero from friends of friends. The fuller story underscores the natural ability to think and respond beyond training, to have a reliable mental intuition or “super-high frequency” – tuned to the urgency to help another – right then/right when at the end of your rope.
KT McNulty is an emergency dispatcher for the 911 system, and she was working the night of the 2017 Wine Country wildfires. The way the dispatch system works, when a caller identifies the problem, a cue roster of questions comes up on the dispatcher’s computer screen so that the dispatcher can provide knowledgable help until EMTs arrive. However, the Wine Country fire erupted so quickly and massively that many situations didn’t relate to the computer questions – and fire crews couldn’t get to locations. KT had a call early on from a person who was caught on four sides by the firestorm. KT had to create her own questions on the spot that inspired a solution. Quickly she thought to go to Google Earth to find the closest swimming pool. She told the caller where to go and to stay in the pool – and duck if the fire raged over. The caller survived the fire.
So many chaotic calls followed, and KT improvised other life-saving strategies by calming the caller and asking specific questions that led to solutions. “KT gave life-saving instructions to citizens in situations that were so unique that no emergency fire dispatch protocols existed for them,” said her boss, Aaron Abbott. “Many of KT’s ad-hoc instructions were repeated throughout the dispatch center during those chaotic hours, saving countless lives.”
When Does Saving the Environment Impact Peacemaking?
“Can a difference in thought have a consequence for peace? When Israelis and Palestinians work together sharing resources to conserve water to grow crops and food, can it change perceptions and ripple out to others and toward peace? This is what I wanted to focus on.” Courtney Owen, environmentalist and peacemaker
The Mama Project in Cape Town: Weaving Communities Through Arts & Culture
The fractured world in 2016 was simply unacceptable to Sara. Something must be done. “What can I do? What do I know how to do?,” she asked of herself. She knew one thing for sure: arts, culture, and creativity bring people together, nurture understanding and help people and communities to thrive. When the heart leads, nothing can stand in the way…and so much good can be accomplished!
Best Emoji’d Memes Have a Theme: Follow your moral compass when forces strike against you – this proves you HAVE a moral compass.
