Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

~ John W. Howell

Today’s good news story comes from the Epoch Times. This story was sent to me by Noelle Granger. Thanks, Noelle. I have edited it slightly for length.

A picture designed by The Epoch Times using imagery from Nancy Feighan and Molly Shannon/Shutterstock.

‘I Don’t Ask for Anything’: Man, 81, Clears Snow From Neighborhood Sidewalks for Over 20 Years

By Louise Chambers 1/27/2024 Updated: 2/1/2024

An 81-year-old who has been clearing snowy sidewalks in his neighborhood for over 20 years refuses to accept cash donations, insisting he loves the snow and helping his neighbors.

Jimmie Sinatra grew up in Lakewood, Ohio, and bought a house with his wife in the area in 1995. That same year, he invested in his first snowblower. Soon, he upgraded to a Craftsman snowblower that he can walk behind and has been maintaining the prized apparatus ever since.

“I just like snow,” Mr. Sinatra told The Epoch Times. “I love playing in the snow, walking, and taking my dog for a walk in the snow, and I decided to do a couple of neighbors’ sidewalks. Then, when my wife and I talked about getting a bigger snowblower, I decided to go all the way up the block.”

Currently, Mr. Sinatra clears snow from about 34 sidewalks, and if there happens to be a school at the end of each block, he helps there, too, as he hates seeing kids walking in the snow.

Mr. Sinatra clears the streets when the snow reaches 5 or 6 inches deep. Initially, only his immediate neighbors knew that he was helping clear snow for the neighborhood, and those living further down the street had no idea about it. However, over the years, a couple of people have noticed his handiwork and have asked if he could clear their driveways, too.

“I don’t ask for money, I don’t ask for anything, I just do it to help the neighbors,” Mr. Sinatra said. “It’s something for me to do. I enjoy it, that’s all. I enjoy helping people.”

Before retiring in July 1998, Mr. Sinatra worked in the material handling department of the Ford Motor Company in Burke, Ohio, for 33 years. His beloved wife encouraged his snowblowing hobby until she passed away four years ago from Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“That’s the way she was too, helping our neighbors out,” said Mr. Sinatra, who has become a religious man since his wife fell ill. “I changed my ways and just prayed every day and every night,” he said. “I think I used to take everything for granted, but I don’t anymore because it’s all in God’s hands. … I know my wife’s spirit is in the house with me, and that’s what I live for.”

Mr. Sinatra’s routine: 34 sidewalks from the corner of Woodward Avenue and Hillard Road up to Delaware Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio. (Screenshot/Google Maps)

At the age of 81, Mr. Sinatra has his own health problems. In May 2023, he was diagnosed with stage four chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema in both lungs. He has trouble breathing so he wears a scarf to keep warm and carries an inhaler when he leaves the house to clear snow.

And, when he can no longer continue, he hopes that someone will take over and continue to clear the snow on the sidewalks and driveways of people who can’t do it.

“I have a lot of nice neighbors, and they take care of me and watch out for me, check up on me and make sure I’m okay because I’m by myself now,” said Mr. Sinatra, imploring: “If you see somebody that needs help, no matter what it is, give them a helping hand and don’t be afraid to do it. Just help your neighbors and your fellow man out.”

The good news in this story is one man took it upon himself to help his neighbors for the joy of doing so. Today’s JohnKu talks about joy. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Helping by John W. Howell

No one has to ask,

It is just the absolute . . .

Joy of helping out.

96 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News”

        1. We have a couple who moved in next door a year ago. I went over and introduced myself and that was the last time we talked. They never acknowledge me when we are both outside. I waved once with no reply. I figure they want to be left alone or in witness protection.

          Liked by 1 person

  4. I like this guy, John and I like your poem. I was taking care of the snow for a few neighbors who were older than me or widows who had lost their snowblowing husbands. Two of those husbands had helped me and my wife when I was out of town. Helping a neighbor seems natural to me. I hope the younger people moving into the neighborhood carry that spirit,

    Liked by 1 person

  11. What a wonderful testimony to the goodness of people, especially Jimmie. Thank you for sharing this story, John. Your JohnKu is right on! 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  12. That is quite a route he clears–and while on oxygen! My husband has emphysema so I know how hard it is to breathe in cold weather. “the absolute joy of helping out”–beautiful words, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. I imagine all that physical exercise — along with the “feel-good” of helping others without self-reward — has helped this guy live so long. Hope somebody will step up when he “retires”!

    Liked by 1 person

  32. We like helping out our neighbors who are not in great health and/or can’t afford a snow blower. That being said, our “route” isn’t nearly as ambitious as this man’s is. Great story, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  34. Besides that Jimmie is a fabulous person, He makes me feel like getting a snowblower.
    OR is it that he makes me feel like being a better person?
    Your JohnKu is right on, ThankKu!
    🐂🐂🐂🐂

    Liked by 1 person

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