Spotlight Some Good News

You know we see a lot of bad news daily, and occasionally a little good news is there if you search hard enough to find it.

I'm not sure how many of you have seen or heard about the following stories, but I thought they were both worthy of attention.



Story 1

72-year-old McDonald's employee can finally retire thanks to lottery

Many of us have dreams of retiring and just enjoying our later years, but few who work for fast food restaurants for their entire careers, like McDonald's, have the savings they need to retire. Nell Pierce-Boykin, a 72-year-old McDonald's employee outside the Atlanta area, was in that boat. She worked for McDonald's restaurants in the Atlanta area for 39 years before hitting it lucky with a $750,000 win in a Georgia State Lottery scratch-off game.

During her 39 years with McDonald's she managed five different locations. She started her career with McDonald's in 1970 in Forest Park, GA and moved up to management in 1984. Since then she's managed five different stores in the area. Ray Justice, 75, who owns the franchise at Mt.Zion Parkway McDonald's, where she was working when she bought that lucky lottery ticket, says he's worked with Pierce-Boykin for most of his 50 years working for McDonald's. He said she made a difference in every store she worked.

If that doesn't make you feel good for someone, I don't know what does.



Story # 2 is a little different as one part of it is good, however the reason is not.

Penguins Sign 8-Year Old, Now Front-Runners for 2026 Stanley Cup

In a surprising move, the Pittsburgh Penguins have signed an 8-year old to an NHL contract. The youngster is Jacob Anderson of Connellsville, Pennsylvania. Anderson plays locally in the Connellsville Youth League (CYL). Sources close to the situation tell me that the Pens have been scouting Anderson since he was five.

GM Ray Shero finally decided to make a move and sign him due to increased pressure from other teams -- namely the Flyers and Capitals. The Penguins offer of $1.00 was less than other teams were offering, however it is believed they received a very deep 'hometown discount.'

If all this sounds a little too absurd to be true, it is. Sort of.

Jacob Anderson is a real kid who really plays hockey and the Penguins really did sign him to a $1 contract. The tragic part is that Jacob may not live to be draft eligible. He and his sister both have cystic fibrosis, which can cut lives very short.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia teamed up with the Penguins to make Jacob's wish -- to be a Penguin -- come true. Prior to tonight's game against the Rangers, Jacob signed a contract, took part in practice and held a press conference with the media. The Penguins even had a locker set up for him completely with equipment and a jersey.

For now I consider this story a good news story because, at least for now, this is one happy kid.