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Westchester Writer Shares 'Do Good' Story In New 'Chicken Soup For Soul'

SOUTH SALEM, N.Y.  --- Interested in some good news?

South Salem Author Polly Tafrate.

South Salem Author Polly Tafrate.

Photo Credit: Submitted
The Chicken Soup for the Soul series has a new version with an essay by South Salem writer Polly Tafrate.

The Chicken Soup for the Soul series has a new version with an essay by South Salem writer Polly Tafrate.

Photo Credit: Submitted

Consider the story of Polly Tafrate, who taught first grade at Increase Miller Elementary School for 25 years. When she retired she began the next chapter in her life: freelancing and grandmothering.

When her son relayed a "do good" story that happened to him and his family, she chose to write about it. And now, the South Salem resident's story is in  "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Random Acts of Kindness" which goes on sale Tuesday. Feb. 7 -- 10 days before Random Acts of Kindness Day on Feb. 17th. 

Her story, "Table Talk," highlights a three-generation family who purposely leave their electronics in the car when they go out to dinner. The goal, explained Tafrate, was for them to talk to each other instead of looking at their smartphones. An elderly couple notices them and are so pleased -- after all, it seems everyone else in the restaurant is plugged in -- that they secretly pay for their dinner.

This "pay it forward" gesture -- the couple were complete strangers -- solidifies this family's commitment to go cell phone free -- at least on occasion.

The take-away, said Tafrate, is to look for chances to pass on the kindness of others, but to do so with secrecy. 

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