Dear Readers, a lot happens in the month of June around Shady Pines Story Town. But before we go talkin’ about Father’s Day or the start of summer, we need to focus on the ocean. And that’s exactly what’s going on right now over at The Shady Pines Gazette news office. See for yourself.

The afternoon sun flows into the framed front window of the red brick building on Main Street. The words Shady Pines Gazette are edged in black on that window. Editor Zulah Talmadge keeps glancing at the big ‘ole clock on the wall. She scribbles on her notepad.

Across the room, Scoop, the Cub Reporter spins around in his desk chair – first to the right, then to the left. At the same time, the teenager with the shock of red hair, taps his foot. Finally, he take two pens and starts drumming a tune on his desk.

“Okay, Scoop that’s enough,” says Zulah with a weary voice. “I know we’re both tired of waiting for him.”

Scoop points to his watch. “He was supposed to be here a half hour agooo…”

Scoop barely finishes his sentence when the old wooden front door slams open, metal shutters clanging. A familiar man in a blue suit flings himself into the office, bends over and gasps for air.

“That’s quite an entrance,” says Zulah with a slight smirk. She’s known Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs for most of her life. “Scoop, why don’t you get the man a glass of water? And mayor, please have a seat.”

Fibbs plops down in an armchair with some give to it. “Whoa. I practically ran here from City Hall. Thank you for agreeing to this exclusive interview, Zulah. With June officially here, the residents of Shady Pines need to hear from their leadership!”

Scoop hands the mayor the glass of water. “Thank you son. Oh, that tastes good.”

“Mr. Mayor,” says a worried Scoop. “June First means the start of Hurricane Season. Are we ready? Is the town safe? Should we be tellin’ people how to prepare?”

“Take a breath Scoop,” says Zulah with a gentle smile.. “Let’s let the Mayor speak. But he’s right, Beau. It’s hot, it’s sticky, and those summer storms are on their way. What’s the plan?”

“That’s exactly why I am here!” says the mayor, puffing out his chest. “We must look to the ocean, my friends. Because June Eighth, is World Oceans Day. And the ocean, you see, is the great engine behind our weather.”

Why It Matters

Snoop blinks and looks thoroughly confused. “The ocean? But Mr. Mayor, Shady Pines isn’t close to the beach. I don’t get it.”

“Ah, a very good question.” The Mayor walks over and sits on the edge of Scoop’s desk. He looks up at the ceiling and gestures into the air. “Imagine the ocean is like a giant, pot of soup sitting on the world’s stove. Right now, that summer sun is turning the heat up on the water.”

“And when soup gets hot, it steams,” Zulah chimed in, catching on.

“Exactly, Zulah,” says the mayor. “The warm ocean water creates lots of warm, wet air that rises straight into the sky. That extra energy is exactly what fuels those big summer storms and hurricanes that can come ashore and hit us!”

Fibbs looks quite pleased with himself. Science has always been his thing. Scoop cocks his head to the side. “Oh I get it. That’s why World Oceans Day has a special theme this year about reimagining how we look at the sea. It really does touch everything!”

Fibbs claps his hands. “That’s exactly right. The ocean does the heavy lifting—it gives us air to breathe and regulates our temperatures. So, to be safe during hurricane season, we have to do two things: Care for the ocean, and care for each other.”

Let’s Get Ready

Zulah nods. “This sounds like a true Shady Pines team effort. How do we break that down for our readers?”

The Mayor holds up two fingers.

“First—we protect the ocean from right here at home. During a rain storm any trash left on the ground at Stonewall Park or around our houses could be washed into the storm drains in our streets. That debris can eventually find its way down to the sea. We must keep Shady Pines clean to keep the ocean healthy!

Zulah and Scoop are both taking notes.

Fibbs clears his throat. “Second—we prepare! Nature is powerful, but teamwork is more powerful. I want every family in Shady Pines to check their flashlights, stock up on fresh water, and make a safety plan together. Don’t be scared—be prepared!”

Have a Checklist

Snoop snaps some photos of Mayor Fibbs.

“You know Ms. Talmadge I could make a poster of these things that the mayor’s suggesting and put it up on our website.”

Zulah types away lost in her own thoughts. But that notion cuts through. “Scoop that’s a great idea. People will be able to download their own copy. We’ll also add the image to our article in the next edition of The Gazette with a link to the website.

“By golly now we’re getting somewhere,” says a delighted Beauregard Fibbs grinning from ear to ear. “I love it when a plan comes together.”

Zulah chuckles. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, Beau. But I’m really glad you dropped by and helped us with this.”

Beauregard walks slowly to her desk and shakes Zulah’s hand. “Me, too, Madame Editor. Okay, I gotta get back to the office. I have a town to run you know!”

Final Thoughts

Scoop stares after him slack jawed. “He’s really something isn’t he?”

Zulah shakes her head. “Oh, yeah. You can say that again.

Suddenly Scoop snaps back to reality. “Ms. Talmadge. I think I’ve got a headline for our article. What do you think of, “Ocean Friendly and Storm-Ready: Shady Pines Mayor Rallies Families to be Prepared!”

“That works! You get busy on that poster, Scoop, and I’ll finish up the article. We need to do what we always do – help our neighbors in times of need!”

Are you ready for storm season?