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Cookie shop baking love and sharing joy
At Michael's Cookie Jar, you are greeted with a bright and colorful mural that shares the store's motto - share the love.Michael Savino is the owner and baker. He said the cookies are made from scratch, "to me cookies are about comfort and familiarity, so we just want to do the classics better than anyone else."The bakery is proud to be an affirming and open place, welcoming everyone."I think in a divided world, cookies are one thing maybe we can agree on," Savino said.Click the video above to see the story.Michael's Cookie Jar is located at 5330 Weslayan Street in Houston.
Meet the first female Asian NY senator who is unifying Asian culture and celebrating diversity
Being the first at anything is no small task. As the first Asian female to be elected to the state Senate, Iwen Chu takes it in stride. Before being inducted into the State Senate, she made it her mission to serve her community and uplift underrepresented voices. Now she represents the 17th district, which includes neighborhoods with a largely diverse Asian community like Sunset Park, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Kensington. Since being inducted in January 2023, her mission has not wavered.Growing up in Taiwan, Senator Chu fell in love with the culture of Brooklyn during her...
Chicago nonprofit grows peace in classrooms through art education
The Simple Good is a Chicago-based arts nonprofit that provides social and emotional learning arts programs to students K-12 to support youth mental health.Founder Priya Shah said being born with a limb difference and a passion for art has helped fuel the work she does through her organization."Growing up, I never saw a brown woman with one hand, let alone a woman with one hand," Shah said. "It was very early on that I realized it wasn't me that was creating the obstacles, it was people's assumptions of me."In addition to being CEO, Shah models in hopes she can inspire...
Skateboarding twins pushing their talents to new heights
At first glance, Jayden and Jaxon Aleman appear fearless. The 10-year-old skateboarding twins fly, twist, and soar over the ramps at Southside Skatepark, but Jaxon says that's not the case, "you can't be fearless, when you're fearless you'll get hurt. You have to know the possibility and avoid it."Jayden and Jaxon are just 3 and half years into their Skateboarding careers. When they asked for boards for their 7th birthday, Mom was a little hesitant, "I said OK they're just kids they'll do it for a week or two and be over it. Little did we know they...
Crystal Cave is Pennsylvania's greatest natural wonder
One of the oldest continuously operating show caves in America is located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, midway between Allentown and Reading.Crystal Cave has been fascinating children, visitors, geologists and tourists for more than 150 years.It was discovered in 1871 and has been operating as a show cave and tourist destination ever since.Today, visitors can take a one-hour guided tour to such formations within the cave as Devil's Den, the Wishing Well, the Cathedral Chamber, the Prairie Dogs and the famous upside-down Ice Cream Cone.Tour guide Daylynn Reppert knows the cave inside and out."It's all about the beauty underneath the surface," Reppert says. "You don't really think about what's inside the Earth as you wander around, never knowing a cave like this is beneath you. It's so beautiful seeing all the formations."She's seen many returning families and visitors year after year."I have people coming to me all the time remembering when they came here as a kid even 10, 20, 40 years ago, it's so cool," Reppert says.For more information about the historic Crystal Cave and the wonders within, please visit Crystalcavepa.com
Crystal Cave is Pennsylvania's greatest natural wonder
One of the oldest continuously operating show caves in America is located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, midway between Allentown and Reading.Crystal Cave has been fascinating children, visitors, geologists and tourists for more than 150 years.It was discovered in 1871 and has been operating as a show cave and tourist destination ever since.Today, visitors can take a one-hour guided tour to such formations within the cave as Devil's Den, the Wishing Well, the Cathedral Chamber, the Prairie Dogs and the famous upside-down Ice Cream Cone.Tour guide Daylynn Reppert knows the cave inside and out."It's all about the beauty underneath the surface," Reppert says. "You don't really think about what's inside the Earth as you wander around, never knowing a cave like this is beneath you. It's so beautiful seeing all the formations."She's seen many returning families and visitors year after year."I have people coming to me all the time remembering when they came here as a kid even 10, 20, 40 years ago, it's so cool," Reppert says.For more information about the historic Crystal Cave and the wonders within, please visit Crystalcavepa.com
Church combining faith and fashion to help transgender community
First Christian Church is the first LGBT-affirming church in Katy. The church offers a list of services, including the Transparent Closet, where people transitioning can get free clothes."We want it to feel like a safe place and we want to have anything that you could ever imagine needing in your time of transition and exploration," Reverend Heather Tolleson said.The closet was first an idea from a church member with a transgender son. In 2019, the closet started as a small shelf and has grown to a 4,000 square feet space.Click the video above to see the story.First Christian Church is located at 22101 Morton Ranch Rd in Katy.
Church combining faith and fashion to help transgender community
First Christian Church is the first LGBT-affirming church in Katy. The church offers a list of services, including the Transparent Closet, where people transitioning can get free clothes."We want it to feel like a safe place and we want to have anything that you could ever imagine needing in your time of transition and exploration," Reverend Heather Tolleson said.The closet was first an idea from a church member with a transgender son. In 2019, the closet started as a small shelf and has grown to a 4,000 square feet space.Click the video above to see the story.First Christian Church is located at 22101 Morton Ranch Rd in Katy.
Ballet SunMi sets the stage for all ages to perform together
Ballet Sunmi is a dance studio started by Sun-Mi Cho that has been making big moves over the last three years.Growing up as a Korean adoptee, she seeks to make every stage inclusive for all ages and cultural backgrounds."Adult dancers and teen dancers and four-year-olds, they can share the stage together," she says. "Some of the teen students mentor their children and everybody is working together and collectively to put something together like 'Lunar Dreams."Lunar Dreams is an original story that students within the studio performed at the Moore College of Art and Design."It's a really inclusive art form and it doesn't matter what your body type is," Cho says. "it matters where you start and then how you're going to progress. And for some kids, it's gaining confidence."For more information, check out their website: Balletsunmi.com.
Ballet SunMi sets the stage for all ages to perform together
Ballet Sunmi is a dance studio started by Sun-Mi Cho that has been making big moves over the last three years.Growing up as a Korean adoptee, she seeks to make every stage inclusive for all ages and cultural backgrounds."Adult dancers and teen dancers and four-year-olds, they can share the stage together," she says. "Some of the teen students mentor their children and everybody is working together and collectively to put something together like 'Lunar Dreams."Lunar Dreams is an original story that students within the studio performed at the Moore College of Art and Design."It's a really inclusive art form and it doesn't matter what your body type is," Cho says. "it matters where you start and then how you're going to progress. And for some kids, it's gaining confidence."For more information, check out their website: Balletsunmi.com.
100-year-old WWII veteran remembers fallen friends on Memorial Day
Jack Goodrich, a 100-year-old veteran of World War II, delivered a moving speech at a Memorial Day service in Valley Forge earlier this year.In it, he paid a special tribute to his two childhood friends, Jim and Jack, who also became pilots but never returned home.The service, titled 'A Choral Matins in Remembrance of Memorial Day,' is one of several held annually at the Washington Memorial Chapel on the grounds of Valley Forge.It was followed by a picnic where the chapel's VII Rector, Father Tommy Thompson, personally served guests with his special BBQ recipe.
100-year-old WWII veteran remembers fallen friends on Memorial Day
Jack Goodrich, a 100-year-old veteran of World War II, delivered a moving speech at a Memorial Day service in Valley Forge earlier this year.In it, he paid a special tribute to his two childhood friends, Jim and Jack, who also became pilots but never returned home.The service, titled 'A Choral Matins in Remembrance of Memorial Day,' is one of several held annually at the Washington Memorial Chapel on the grounds of Valley Forge.It was followed by a picnic where the chapel's VII Rector, Father Tommy Thompson, personally served guests with his special BBQ recipe.
Smith Memorial Arch is a hidden Philadelphia gem that honors Pennsylvania's Civil War heroes
The Smith Memorial Arch recognizes over 80 Pennsylvanians who fought and contributed to the victory of the Union Army during the Civil War.This arch was funded in 1891 by Richard Smith, a Philadelphian who made a fortune in his lifetime as an entrepreneur.Within his will, he wished for the construction of a monument dedicated to preserving the legacies of those who served, to be built upon his demise.Smith funded this effort with what would now be over a half of a million dollars, in today's currency.Typically, people will drive between the monument, often missing the opportunity to stop and acknowledge the history in front of them.The memorial consists of intricate sculptures, inscriptions, busts, equestrian figures and other statues.Within the monument, there is a semicircular bench, where people can sit and experience the work.For an even more interactive experience, people can sit on either end of the bench and whisper to each other.
Smith Memorial Arch is a hidden Philadelphia gem that honors Pennsylvania's Civil War heroes
The Smith Memorial Arch recognizes over 80 Pennsylvanians who fought and contributed to the victory of the Union Army during the Civil War.This arch was funded in 1891 by Richard Smith, a Philadelphian who made a fortune in his lifetime as an entrepreneur.Within his will, he wished for the construction of a monument dedicated to preserving the legacies of those who served, to be built upon his demise.Smith funded this effort with what would now be over a half of a million dollars, in today's currency.Typically, people will drive between the monument, often missing the opportunity to stop and acknowledge the history in front of them.The memorial consists of intricate sculptures, inscriptions, busts, equestrian figures and other statues.Within the monument, there is a semicircular bench, where people can sit and experience the work.For an even more interactive experience, people can sit on either end of the bench and whisper to each other.
PAWS and Dock Street Brewery collaborate on tasty new fundraiser - Found Friends
Dock Street Brewery South and Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) have partnered once again to collaborate on a new beer variety, Found Friends!And four-legged friends were invited to the launch party.Dock Street Brewery will donate $1 for every 4-pack sold until supplies run out.This is the seconnd year they've offered the IPA to benefit the animal shelter.Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is the city's largest rescue partner and provider of affordable veterinary care.They are on a mission to make Philadelphia a no-kill city, where every savable pet is guaranteed a forever home.Head brewer Mark Russell knows first-hand how much fun...
PAWS and Dock Street Brewery collaborate on tasty new fundraiser - Found Friends
Dock Street Brewery South and Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) have partnered once again to collaborate on a new beer variety, Found Friends!And four-legged friends were invited to the launch party.Dock Street Brewery will donate $1 for every 4-pack sold until supplies run out.This is the seconnd year they've offered the IPA to benefit the animal shelter.Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is the city's largest rescue partner and provider of affordable veterinary care.They are on a mission to make Philadelphia a no-kill city, where every savable pet is guaranteed a forever home.Head brewer Mark Russell knows first-hand how much fun...
Montrose Center's new CEO breaking barriers
The Montrose Center's CEO is making history. Avery Belyeu is the first openly transgender person to be the leader of a large LGBTQ center in the country."It feels like a bit of a glass ceiling moment," she said. "I certainly feel that myself, that this is the first time for someone like me to be in a seat like this. I think this is meaningful personally to me, and I think its also meaningful for the community at large."Belyeu has been working in the non-profit sector for the past 15 years, in spaces related to LGBTQ issues, suicide prevention, behavioral health and public health."When I heard about this job, I will say it is the perfect mirror to all of those things that I've done across the last 14, 15 years," she said. "Caring for folks' wellness, their behavioral health, their mental health, is really at the core of who we are as an organization, and so this place is a perfect marriage of all those things."ABC13 caught up with Belyeu in the video above to hear about what she's looking forward to the most as she leads the fourth-largest LGBTQ center in the country!
Montrose Center's new CEO breaking barriers
The Montrose Center's CEO is making history. Avery Belyeu is the first openly transgender person to be the leader of a large LGBTQ center in the country."It feels like a bit of a glass ceiling moment," she said. "I certainly feel that myself, that this is the first time for someone like me to be in a seat like this. I think this is meaningful personally to me, and I think its also meaningful for the community at large."Belyeu has been working in the non-profit sector for the past 15 years, in spaces related to LGBTQ issues, suicide prevention, behavioral health and public health."When I heard about this job, I will say it is the perfect mirror to all of those things that I've done across the last 14, 15 years," she said. "Caring for folks' wellness, their behavioral health, their mental health, is really at the core of who we are as an organization, and so this place is a perfect marriage of all those things."ABC13 caught up with Belyeu in the video above to hear about what she's looking forward to the most as she leads the fourth-largest LGBTQ center in the country!
Goalball is the Greatest Sport You've Never Heard Of
Goalball, a sport that most people have never heard of, was created specifically for athletes with visual impairment."It was developed after World War 2," says goalball Paralympian Andrew Jenks. "(It was played by) a lot of veterans all over the world as a recreational rehabilitation tool for men who had gone blind."While the game incorporates elements from well-known sports like soccer and bowling, it is not merely an adaptation; rather, the entire game is tailored for blind athletes.The balls used in goalball have bells in them so players can hear them approaching, and there is rope under the tape on...
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