HONESDALE – Thanks to COVID-19, this year – 2020 –presented many unexpected challenges for families, businesses, workers, educators, government agencies and non-profit organizations.
Parents had to learn to be teachers, libraries are trying to be there from afar, and just about everyone has had to find new and innovative ways to do business.
On Oct. 22, Wayne County meets one challenge with another as Go Orange Day marks the community’s long-term commitment to kindness at a time when taking up Rachel’s Challenge to do things like “speak with kindness,” ‘look for the best in others,” and “dream big” have taken on even deeper meaning.
The community first embraced Rachel’s Challenge in 2012 and, in the ensuing years, has promoted Go Orange Day and acts of kindness as a way of perpetuating a Chain Reaction of Kindness. On Go Orange Day people are encouraged to wear orange to promote awareness, but more importantly they are encouraged to reach out in kindness to someone that day.
“It will not only make them feel better, but it can brighten your day, too,” says founding Rachel’s Challenge Committee member Margaret Ennis.
To mark the occasion, the Wallenpaupack Area School District and Wayne Memorial Hospital have put up orange ribbons in Hawley and Honesdale, respectively, and the Forest City School District will be including Rachel’s Challenge in their annual “Go and Be Great Day.” At Wallenpaupack, students have created a series of kindness inspiring posters that have been transformed in to yard signs and are being placed on roadsides around the community.
By proclamation, the Wayne County Commissioners declared Thursday, Oct. 22, as Go Orange Day and the County’s Office of Behavioral & Development Programs/Early Intervention and the Social & Wellness Committee will be offering visitors and staff a “Cup of Kindness” (coffee) that morning as a reminder.
CUTLINES
Seated from left: Darlene Miller, Rebecca Castimore, Mikayla Zinka, Michala Boehm, Kaitlyn August and Adviser Marie Mitschele. Standing from left: Jocelyn Cramer, Brian Smith, Margaret Ennis, Faith Phillips, Gabrielle Gardner, Dave Hartung, Jenna Ward, Carol Kneier, Tanya Harty, Joe Adams, and Michele Valinski.