Storm Clouds Threaten Fun on the Fourth in Shady Pines
Could Storms Drench The Fourth?
It’s won’t be long now. That very American holiday, the Fourth of July is right around the corner. Excitement is building in the small Southern town of Shady Pines, but so are storm clouds.
This is the frst time our residents are welcoming visitors back to enjoy the festivities since the pandemic began two years ago.
As you can imagine, Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs is thrilled. He loves to celebrate our nation’s Independance Day and to promote the good things about our story tellin’ town. Oh, and, let’s face it, he likes to ride in his big ‘ole car in the parade down Main Street.
Our mayor will tell anyone who will listen that we’re a tight knit community dedicated to kindness, caring and working together to solve problems. But one problem we didn’t plan
for is brewing off the coast.
for is brewing off the coast.Tropical Storm Colin is churning in the Atlantic and threatening to deliver a wallop of rain and punishing winds over the holiday weekend.
Those rains are already soaking the coastal regions in the South.
Those rains are already soaking the coastal regions in the South.Mayor Fibbs and other Shady Pines leaders will 
track this storm system closely to make sure they can still go ahead with everything that’s supposed to happen on Monday.
track this storm system closely to make sure they can still go ahead with everything that’s supposed to happen on Monday.Monday’s Schedule
Besides the parade in the morning which is always a hoot, the Community Center is set to host an afternoon ice cream social for the kids.
Director Rita Morena says this year she’s adding water balloon tossing. The children will get into two 
straight lines as they form teams.
straight lines as they form teams. Then, each player takes a big step back from their teammate and tosses the balloon to them.
The opposite player must catch the balloon without popping it. If a balloon pops, that team is out.
“The idea is to have fun,” says Rita. “At the same time we show the kids the importance of teamwork to achieve their goals.”
Picnics and Sailing
Around 5 o’clock folks head down to Stonewall Park with their picnic baskets and coolers. A lot of our local business like Maggie’s Diner, Fred’s Corner Grocer and Cup ‘O Joe’s coffee shop donate food and drinks.
But everyone is encouraged to make somethig to share with others. After all, sharing is a form of kindness. 
We’re all about that in Shady Pines.
We’re all about that in Shady Pines.Meanwhile, some teenagers will be taking part in the regional sailing races that are held on our lake every year on the Fourth.
The folks attending the picnic in the park provide a built in cheering section for the kids and their racing boats. And the winners of each division get a trophy.
Safety First On The Fourth
Once the sailboats are off the water and darkness falls it’s time for fireworks. This is one of our favorite traditions. We love to say, “Ah!” when seeing the explosions of color reflect off the lake.
It’s also a time to remind everyone that our pets and veterans can really be bothered by the sound 
of those booming explosions. Our small animals get scared, shiver with fear and look everywhere for a place to hide. If you know your neighbors have pets who respond negatively to fireworks, please be respectful.
of those booming explosions. Our small animals get scared, shiver with fear and look everywhere for a place to hide. If you know your neighbors have pets who respond negatively to fireworks, please be respectful.Pets, Vets, and Kids
Likewise, men and women who have been to war, hear those sounds and it takes them right back to the horror of the battlefield. Look for a sign like this in front of someone’s house. If you see it make sure you don’t shoot off any backyard fireworks anywhere near their home.
Besides pets and veterans don’t forget to watch out for the safety of children as well.
Bottom line, in Shady Pines no matter what the weather or the holiday Compassion Never Takes a Holiday!
Bottom line, in Shady Pines no matter what the weather or the holiday Compassion Never Takes a Holiday!
It’s here! The actual start of summer has arrived. But for many folks in Shady Pines Story Town, it’s felt like summer for weeks now. Temperatures this June and even before that, have been soaring into the high 90’s. The air often feels like it’s 100 degrees or more.
She heads downtown to Main Street to see what people are saying about this toasty start to the summer season.
she can pop into Maggie’s Diner where gosssip is served up right along with that day’s special sandwich, Zulah runs into Kim Dunworthy. Mail carrier Kim is coming out of Cup ‘O Joe’s coffee shop.
things I could carry at one time.”
People Are Talking
Be Careful In The Heat
celebrated nationwide on Sunday, June 19th.
It’s late in the game and Harold’s guys are two runs ahead of the other team. What’s so bad?
Harold’s wife, Edna,
is across the room lounging on the couch. She’s looking through recipes in her latest cooking magazine while listening to the ballgame. “What’s that dear?”
Harold turns the volume down on the TV. “What’s supposed to happen when your children are covered in fur? They’re not going to buy me a mower.”
room chased by a handsome Australian Shepherd dog. “Halley, you are such a pain. Give me my toy back!”
“I don’t see your name on it, Booo-mer-rang!”
Boomer points at the toy. “Well look at it, will ya!”
girl. But, please, play with your own toys.”
And they love you right back. Look at them.”
Edna joins him on the floor and hugs him. “Yes, and besides that, they may have something for you next Sunday that you’re not expecting.”
“Oh, please tell me it will not be crawling, slithering or flying through the house. You know how our daughter likes to surprise us!”
Troubling images flicker across the TV at the Sanders house near downtown Shady Pines. 
It’s the same in households across the country.
“This is horrible,” says Edna. “Those poor little kids. Their parents and families. Those brave teachers. That town. It’s just too much.” Edna buries her face in her hands.
Harold arrives with the family’s dog, Boomerang. He took the handsome Australian Shepherd with him to work at his Nut’s ‘N Bolts hardware store. “Honey, we’re home.”
“I want them to know I love them.”
But there’s something beyond the parades, the picnics, and the family gatherings that often gets lost.
If you own an American flag, you can teach older kids
Why not teach your children America the Beautiful, the National Anthem or say the Pledge of Allegiance, and talk about the meaning behind each one.
5) Take a Moment for Silence
“Taps. It’s all done at 3PM local time as a symbol of 
national unity.