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Deaf dog transforms into comic book superhero to promote acceptance

Mennies Elementary School witnessed the debut of Vineland, an interesting canine fable, which interestingly coincides with the Read Across America festivities. Vineland is not just an ordinary story. It is one filled with passion, and it touched the hearts of all who took their time to savor its special moments.  

As the school’s music teacher, Chris Hannah was saddled with the task of getting a dog for the story, and he didn’t disappoint. During his search, he perused the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter’s online selection where he spotted a cute puppy labeled “Special Needs.”

For him, it was like love at first sight. 

“I instantly fell in love,” he said.

The poor canine had been neglected by other parties, but Hannah developed a special interest in him, and booked an appointment to meet the pup. 

Many people saw the puppy as defective, deformed, and abnormal, but he only saw uniqueness. 

According to him, he adopted the dog because of the same reason other people ignored him- deafness. 

He had a special attachment to the deaf nature of the dog because his 10-year-old nephew, Kevin Guinan was also deaf. 

“Some things just happen for a reason,” Hannah said.

After successfully adopting the dog, which he named Cole, Hannah introduced him to his nephew. Kevin was quick to collate a list of American Sign Language commands to train and teach the little canine. Hannah made sure he sparked some inspiration during his Mennies music classes by sharing details of life with his new pet, Cole.  

Cole and Kevin collaborated to star in the superhero story with the tag “Captain Cochlear and Maestro Mutt.” Making the story a success was no easy feat, and it took about 250 students to make perfect every aspect of the story. These students were given the freedom to allow their imaginations run wild, and in the process they came up with interesting characters and realistic storylines. 

In the final version of the story, the spotlight focuses on Annie and her phobia for singing in front of a crowd or in any public place for that matter. 

Captain Cochlear, Maestro Mutt and alter egos of other Hannah pets swing into action to, help the young singer defeat “Dr. Fear’s Forcefield of Fright.”

In his successful attempt to inspire Annie, Maestro Mutt tells her, “It’s OK to make mistakes, but it’s a mistake not to try.” Those words helped her find her voice to cap the story with a happy ending. 

“The best thing you learn is accepting those who may be a little different,” Hannah said.

He further explained that Cole was perfectly healthy and capable of doing what other “normal” dogs could do, only difference is that he had to do it in an unconventional way. He could understand basic hand signs that order him to sit, rollover, and obey other basic instructions. 

Cole’s ability to feel vibrations substitutes his lack of hearing, so in a way, he can still listen for Hannah. 

Despite his success in the school story, Cole is showing no signs of slowing down. He is spreading his message of acceptance and it is growing like wildfire on YouTube and Instagram.  

Bev Greco, Executive Director of the ASPCA was full of praises of the young pup during his interview with The Daily Journal. “This is an amazing outcome for a pup that had the odds stacked against him,” “Deaf dogs are hard to place and rarely end up with a family that really taps into their potential — we’re thrilled for him.”

Cole will take a test that will see him become a certified therapy dog and he hopes to be able to visit hearing-impaired students throughout the district to share his “bestselling” comic book.

“The project went so much better than I thought,” Hannah said. 

Cole rolled over, four feet up, in the middle of a circle of adoration.

Tap the polka dot on Cole’s nose and he’ll jump in the air. That’s called a “nose beep.”

According to Hannah, the young pup loves to learn new things, and he, alongside his brother will continue to teach him. 

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Waldo Middle School Receives Grant from Portland Trail Blazers Foundation

Kelly Taylor

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In Salem, Oregon, Waldo Middle School has received exciting news that has left the community buzzing with anticipation. Thanks to a generous grant from the Portland Trail Blazers Foundation, the school is set to enhance its support for students in need.

Every year, the Trail Blazers Foundation’s “Take it to the Court School Grants” program awards funds to schools across Oregon that are making a significant impact on children’s lives. Waldo Middle School is one of the lucky recipients this year, a recognition that has thrilled Sonia Bosquez, the Community School Outreach Coordinator. “I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it,” she said, acknowledging the stiff competition from other deserving schools.

The grant will bolster the efforts of “Waldo’s Closet,” a school initiative that provides essential supplies like clothing, shoes, hygiene products, and even snacks to students facing hardships. “We came up with it as a way to help students on a day-to-day basis,” Bosquez explained. The program has grown to support students from other countries or those experiencing emergencies, often extending aid to their families as well.

Annie Klug, Executive Director of the Trail Blazers Foundation, emphasized their commitment to supporting historically marginalized and underrepresented communities. The foundation focuses on connecting youth to the environment, education, and sports. “We exist to raise money and get it back out to exceptional schools and nonprofits and students,” she stated.

The grant holds special significance for students like Jhoana Escalona, an 8th grader at Waldo Middle School. “For me, it feels special because there are a lot of kids whose parents can’t afford the fees and can’t pay,” she said. The support means a lot to students whose families are working multiple jobs and may not have the opportunity to watch their children participate in sports and other activities.

The Trail Blazers Foundation’s ability to provide these grants is powered by the fans. “We have fans that purchase ‘Rip City’ license plates or 50/50 raffle tickets at our games, and all of that contributes to our ability to make those grants,” Klug explained.

The grant from the Trail Blazers Foundation is more than just financial support; it’s a beacon of hope and an affirmation of the community’s efforts to support its youth. Waldo Middle School is poised to make an even greater difference in the lives of its students, thanks to this generous contribution.

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Caring for an Orphaned Baby Fox: The Incredible Efforts of a Virginia Wildlife Center

Shannon Jackson

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In a heartwarming tale of compassion and dedication, the staff at a Virginia wildlife center have taken on a remarkable role to care for an orphaned baby fox, or “kit.” This little fox found herself alone in the world after being discovered in an alley, mistakenly thought to be a kitten. The wildlife experts sprang into action, not just to feed and raise her, but to do so in a way that would prepare her for a life in the wild.

To ensure the kit doesn’t get too used to humans, the caregivers are going to great lengths to mimic the presence of a mother fox. They wear fox masks and rubber gloves during feeding times, creating a visual that resembles a fox rather than a human. This clever disguise helps the kit to recognize and feel comfortable with her own species, a crucial aspect of her development.

But the care doesn’t stop there. The kit also snuggles up to a large stuffed animal that looks like a fox, providing her with the comfort and warmth she would have received from her real mother. The staff are careful to minimize human sounds and create visual barriers to further reduce the kit’s exposure to humans.

All these measures are part of a bigger goal: to eventually release the kit back into the wild where she belongs. By preventing her from becoming too familiar with humans, they increase her chances of survival and her ability to interact with other foxes. This not only gives her a better chance at a natural life but also helps to maintain the fox population in the wild.

The story of this orphaned kit and the extraordinary care she’s receiving highlights the importance of wildlife conservation. It’s a reminder of the dedication of those who work to protect and preserve our natural world, ensuring that even the smallest creatures have a chance to thrive in their natural habitat.

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Gray Whale Spotted Off Nantucket Coast

Kevin Wells

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Gray whales are huge creatures that can grow up to 49 feet long and weigh as much as 40 tons! Gray whales are usually found in the Pacific Ocean, where they are known for their long migrations from Mexico to Alaska. But something amazing happened recently – a gray whale was spotted 30 miles off the coast of Nantucket!

This sighting is extraordinary because gray whales were thought to be extinct in the Atlantic Ocean for over 200 years. They vanished from these waters by the 18th century, mainly because of whaling. So, when a survey plane saw the whale diving and even eating, it was a big deal.

Kate Laemmle, a research technician who was on the plane, said, “My brain was trying to process what I was seeing because this animal was something that should not really exist in these waters. We were laughing because of how wild and exciting this was – to see an animal that disappeared from the Atlantic hundreds of years ago.”

Gray whales can be recognized by their mottled gray color and the many barnacles and sea lice that usually cover their skin. They have a unique way of feeding by scooping up mud and water from the ocean floor and filtering out small creatures like shrimp and worms.

The sighting of a gray whale in the Atlantic Ocean is a reminder of how mysterious and surprising nature can be. It’s also a sign that our oceans are full of secrets waiting to be discovered.

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Heart Warriors: The Inspiring Journey of Twins Albert and Benson Tass

Kevin Wells

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Ten years ago, twin boys Albert and Benson Tass from Mackay faced a life-threatening challenge. At just 3-4 weeks old, they underwent open heart surgery due to valve problems. Their case was unique and left a lasting impression on their surgeon, Dr. Nelson Alphonso.

“It’s very, very unusual,” Dr. Alphonso said. “Having two twins at the same time with a related heart defect is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.”

The journey was tough for the twins and their family. Their mother, Maria Tass, recalls the emotional turmoil of not being able to hold her babies for a month. “I was sad all the time, but trying to be positive,” she said. The twins were immediately taken to Paediatric Intensive Care (PICU) after their birth, and it was a challenging time for the family, especially when Benson had to be readmitted due to complications.

Despite the hardships, the twins pulled through. “It was all very touch and go, but he [Benson] came out on top … we’re very lucky,” Ms. Tass said. Now, ten years later, Albert and Benson are living life to the fullest. They have even taken up rugby league, with approval from their medical team.

Their father, Mr. Tass, admits that upcoming check-ups still bring back difficult memories. “I feel sad because I reflect on what they’ve already been through,” he said. However, the family remains positive and focuses on letting the boys enjoy life while still keeping them safe.

Benson has a unique way of describing his surgery. “When I was a baby, I had surgery and I’ve got a cow’s vein put into me,” he said. Dr. Alphonso clarified, “Not quite. It’s bovine pericardium, which is used in cardiovascular reconstruction.”

The family is looking forward to reuniting with Dr. Alphonso next month for the twins’ check-up. “I won’t recognize them, because they were small babies, but they’ve grown up and are running around playing footy … it will be good to talk to them,” Dr. Alphonso said. He is impressed by their resilience, saying, “They surprise me with their toughness.”

Albert and Benson’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of medical science. They continue to inspire those around them with their courage and zest for life.

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A Billion-Dollar Gift: Transforming Lives in The Bronx

Renee Yates

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In an incredible act of generosity, Dr. Ruth Gottesman, a dedicated professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, has made a groundbreaking donation that will change the lives of many aspiring doctors. Thanks to her, students at this medical school will no longer have to worry about tuition fees. This story isn’t just about the enormous amount of money given; it’s about the hope and opportunities it brings to a community in need.

Dr. Gottesman, at the age of 93, decided to donate $1 billion to the medical school where she spent many years teaching. This isn’t just any donation; it’s the largest gift ever to a medical school and one of the biggest to any educational institution in the United States. What makes this gift even more special is its destination: the Bronx, New York’s poorest borough. This area, often in need of support and resources, is now home to a beacon of hope for many.

The money comes from the legacy of Dr. Gottesman’s late husband, David Gottesman, a Wall Street financier who was a protégé of Warren Buffet and made a smart early investment in Berkshire Hathaway. Known affectionately as Sandy, his financial success has paved the way for this monumental donation.

Dr. Gottesman’s goal is to remove the heavy burden of medical school debt, which often exceeds $200,000, allowing students to start their medical careers without financial worry. More than that, she hopes to open the doors of medical education to those who, due to economic challenges, wouldn’t even consider the possibility of becoming doctors. “We have terrific medical students, but this will open it up for many other students whose economic status is such that they wouldn’t even think about going to medical school,” Dr. Gottesman remarked.

The joy Dr. Gottesman feels about her donation is evident. She’s not just providing financial support; she’s transforming the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and, by extension, the Bronx community, in a way that will have lasting impacts. Her decision came from a simple yet powerful desire to make education free for aspiring doctors, a wish that was immediately embraced when she shared it.

Dr. Philip Ozuah, involved in the discussions about the gift, shared that when asked what transformative action she wished to take, Dr. Gottesman immediately chose to eliminate tuition fees. The other ideas didn’t even need to be mentioned.

Dr. Gottesman often reflects on what her late husband would think of her decision. With a light-hearted chuckle, she hopes he would be pleased, acknowledging that it was his success that enabled her to make such a generous donation. She believes he would be happy, supporting her decision to make such a significant and positive impact on the world of medicine and the lives of those in the Bronx.

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