EXTRA! EXTRA! Read All About It. Got News to Share from Shady Pines

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read All About It. Got News to Share from Shady Pines

by | Jul 20, 2026 | Breaking News, Shady Pines Stories, The Kindness Connection Blog

Breaking News

Hot Off The Presses

Dear Readers, The temperatures have been scorching this summer, but the activity of our Shady Pines Story Town creators is downright sizzlin.' Why, in addition to launching the newly re-published first book in her National Award-winning Boomer and Halley book series. Author Mary Jane McKittrick has been fielding questions from folks all over the country - book promoters, marketers, and more. They all want to help promote the new eBook (6-9 yr olds) Boomer and Halley Scavenger Hunt - Discover Rewards by Working with Others.

That's only part of what's going on. As you might imagine Editor Zulah Talmadge over at The Shady Pines Gazette is on the story because she knows news.

"Hi everyone. Zulah here. I had to have a little chat with our local author. She's supposed to keep me informed when she starts making news and it seems she forgot to call me."

Dear Readers, there's something you should know. Zulah gets a bit hot under the collar when she's not the first to hear what's happening in our small Southern town. You see, that Scavenger Hunt book is part of a new educational program that's set to launch this week. Well, you can listen to Zulah asking about that.

PAWS 4 Kids - Stories With Lasting Value

"Ah-Hem," says Zulah as she clears her throat. "First off Mary Jane, what's this new educational gig you've got going?"

"Well Zulah," says Mary Jane. "We're calling it, PAWS 4 Kids - Stories With Lasting Value. It's on the launch pad and is ready to take off sometime this week. This program continues our approach to introducing soft vales through social-emotional learning. PAWS 4 Kids is designed for educators and homeschoolers. That's why the Boomer and Halley book one is included. The theme, this time out, centers around Teamwork.

"Okay. Fine," says Zulah. "Why haven't I heard about this? Have you been working on it for awhile?"

Mary Jane nods her head. "Yes. This is is a Pilot Program for us so we'll do a limited launch to see how people react to it. There are four modules of interactive learning opportunities.

Each module is built upon the warm, character-driven storytelling of Shady Pines Story Town. The Write To Win Contest challenges a child's reading and comprehension with a certificate from Mayor Fibbs as a prize. We want to provide practical ways to explore life lessons at home and in the classroom."

"Where can learn more about this PAWS 4 what-cha-ma-call-it?" asks Zulah.

Mary Jane shakes her head. "Zulah, it's PAWS 4 Kids and there's a page on the Shady Pines Story Town website that explains the program in detail.

CLICK HERE to find out on more and discover how you can have these materials delivered to you!

The Reviews Are In

"Alrighty. Now then. We've covered the new educational program, Mary Jane," says Zulah pushing back from her desk. She gets up and heads for the refrigerator in the back room of the Gazette office. "Would you like some water?"

"Sure," answers May Jane. "That'd be great. Thank you."

Zulah returns with two, cold glasses of water. "Now tell me what you're hearing about reaction to your book now that's it's back in circulation."

"Well. Zulah, If you CLICK HERE you can read what the Bookworm For Kids site had to say. We are especially appreciative of the feedback from industry professionals. They recognize how the story helps children visualize and act upon the value of teamwork and our other core life lessons."

"Here's another example - we're thrilled that Maestra Mom, Amanda Wilson, (a homeschooling mom) included us in her latest list of Best Children's Books," says Mary Jane.

"Got it, " says Zulah. "Hey whatever happened to that editor at The Pilot newspaper in Southern Pines? Didn't she interview you while you were there doing your Writers Residency?"

Mary Jane looks surprised. "Zulah you have a mind like a steel trap. You are absolutely right. That did happen and Laura Douglass published her article in the Sunday edition on July Fourth weekend. She did a very large spread!"

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

Here Are Comments From Readers:

"Want more. I think that sums it up. The Scavenger Hunt was fun, lighthearted, but taught a lesson at the same time. The best part, kids won't know they are learning." - Michele, mother of two, educator

"It doesn't hurt to teach good manner, respect, and responsibility. We need more of this.. Can't wait to read the next Boomer and Halley Story. Bring it on. It's time for a change." Coni, mother of three, grandmother of two

"Harold and Edna love each other. You can tell." -Anky, age 6

"I think Boomer is cool." -Michael, age 7

New Boomer and Halley Book?

Zulah exhales. "This is a lot." The perceptive editor looks sideways at the author whose taking another sip of water. "What? There's more?"

"Well...there is," says Mary Jane "I recently found the manuscript I wrote for a fourth book starring our favorite Australian Shepherd and silver streak of a cat. The working title is: Boomer and Halley PAWS To Help."

Zulah is a bit shocked. "Whaaat? What's this one about?"

"Here's something I wrote as an overview," says Mary Jane.

For seven-year-old Ray Robinson, not speaking is a survival mechanism, until a critical split
second when his silence could mean the death of a best friend. Like Maya Angelou and James
Earl Jones, both of whom famously went mute following childhood trauma, Ray has internalized
the stress of his father's overseas deployment and his mother's financial anxiety, withdrawing from
the world. Will he discover his voice in time?

"I have to say, that has my attention. When can we expect this book will be published?"

"That kinda depends," says Mary Jane. "I'm in the process of trying to attract a literary agent to represent this book and our now multimedia Shady Pines Story Town platform. But I promise you Zulah, you will be the first to know when that happens."

Zulah shuffles the papers on her desk and with a sly smile says, "You'd better. I'm gonna hold you to that. Now get out of here. I have a lot to report now because of you. And where's Scoop? We have another edition of the Gazette to get out!"

And that's where we'll leave it for now Dear Readers. You're up to date on all the news that's fit to report as Zulah always says. One thing you can reply on, here in Shady Pines kindness matters. No matter what is produced here we will be a safe place for you to land whenever you need a smile!

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A Mighty Historic Mystery at the Post Office Could Ruin July Fourth in Shady Pines

A Mighty Historic Mystery at the Post Office Could Ruin July Fourth in Shady Pines

by | Jul 2, 2026 | Breaking News, Shady Pines Stories, The Kindness Connection Blog

Is There a Problem?

A Mystery to Solve

Dear Reader, the heat of early July is already settling over downtown Shady Pines. People, pets and plants wilt from the scorching temperatures.

But inside the post office, in the back room where important documents are kept, Kim Dunworthy is feeling a chill of excitement. The young postal worker is downright giddy.

Resting on the counter is a treasure chest. Well, actually it's velvet-lined box containing super special stamps to help mark the town’s 100th anniversary.

"Oh my goodness!" gasps Kim. "Inside this box are the amazing stamps to honor the year our small Southern town was founded - a century ago. And they're here in time for our big Fourth of July party. I can't wait for everyone to see them!"

The box just arrived from the National Archives in Washington D.C. Kim is the first person to see it.

"It won't hurt to take a little peek," says Kim as she starts to open the box.

Uh-oh. She can't seem to open it.

Here Comes the Calvary

"Kim!" a voice booms from somewhere inside the post office. Heavy steps moving quickly means a man is heading Kim's way. She knows that voice.

Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs bursts into the room, his signature bowtie slightly askew from the humidity. "The Centennial parade is nearly upon us! Saturday is the Fourth of July. We need that stamp collection unveiled for the Shady Pines Gazette’s front page by then or the whole town will think I’ve forgotten our history!"

Kim is startled by the intensity of the mayor's words. He is in a dither today.

"I have the stamps, Mr. Mayor," Kim says, tapping the wooden box. "But from what I can tell, there's a problem."

"Problem!" bellows Fibbs. "What kind of a problem?"

With shaking hands Kim tries to demonstrate. "Well you see, sir, the box won't open. There's some kind of a message on the bottom that I can't figure out."

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Before he can say anything, Mayor Fibbs and Kim realize they're about to have company

Here comes Zulah Talmadge, the sharp-eyed editor of the Shady Pines Gazette. Close behind her is Scoop, the Cub Reporter who is lugging all sorts of camera gear.

"Mayor, Kim," Zulah announces herself using her very professional, but urgent, tone of voice. "The Gazette is going to print tomorrow. We’re ready for the Centennial scoop. Are the stamps available for their debut?"

Kim and the mayor look at one another with each thinking the same thing. "Which of us is going to tell her?"

Zulah picks up on the uneasy silence. "What's going on?"

Mayor Fibbs clears his voice. "Well, is seems this here box of stamps has a secret riddle."

Kim speaks up. "And we can't open it until we solve it."

Zulah picks up the box and gently flips it over. The lettering reads: "To know our future, look to the roots of our town's first kindness."

Now What?

Mayor Fibbs scratches his chin. "Our history of Kindness? Where do we start looking? In the library? That sounds like a long morning of reading."

"Not necessarily," Zulah says, her gaze narrowing as she looks toward the window. "Scoop, you know the historical timeline mural on the wall outside the Community Center?"

Scoops nods his head yes.

Zulah continues. And, Mayor Fiibbs, you remember what we learned in school about the founding of our town? It wasn’t about gold or land. It was about a shared well, wasn’t it?"

Once they realize water may be a part of the riddle the group moves quickly out of the post office and into the bustling downtown.

They walk past the storefronts with awnings on Main Street. After one quick left turn they come to a park like space. There it is - the old fountain.

Scoop kneels down, clearing away a bit of summer moss from the stone base. "Hey! Look! There’s a tiny engraving here of two hands passing a bucket."

Mystery Solved

"That’s it!" shouts Zulah. "The 'roots' of Shady Pines aren't just in the dusty old books in the library—they're in our layout. The town was built outward from this fountain because the neighbors decided to share water during the Great Drought."

"Oh my gosh!" Kim understands. "The base of the Post Office's own foundation has a stone with that same symbol. "I know it. It’s a match!"

Kim can't wait to test her theory. Back at the post office the mystery-solving group reassembles outside. Kim darts inside and walks out with the box.

She faces the post office wall and presses the small stone marker where the two buckets are carved. Click.

The velvet box in her hands pops open. Inside, the stamps are revealed.

Mayor Fibbs beams and straightens his bowtie. "Perfect. And with this story in the paper, everyone will be ready for the big parade and stamp reveal on the Fourth."

Zulah urges Scoop to run back into the post office and grab his camera. "Get the shot, Scoop.

'Kindness is the Foundation of Shady Pines.' That’s our headline."

Final Thoughts

Kim stands on the sidewalk, watching the Shady Pines Gazette news team hustle back toward their office.

She feels a surge of pride. This town isn't just a place of shops and roads—it's a living, breathing, century-long promise of people looking out for one another.

And this July 4th, the whole town will get to see that promise in the corner of every envelope they mail.

A Bang Up Fourth

Well Dear Reader, that settles it. Those centennial stamps will have their moment in the spotlight after all.

Once the parade is over on Saturday the 4th, everyone will move to Stonewall Park where live music and food vendors will be waiting for them.

No doubt Mayor Fibbs will give a speech and take most of the credit for solving the riddle that made viewing the stamps a possibility.

However you celebrate this weekend you can be sure of one thing - here in Shady Pines Story Town - you have our stamp of approval!

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Ocean Friendly-Storm Ready-Prepping for Hurricane Season: A Shady Pines Gazette Exclusive!

Ocean Friendly-Storm Ready-Prepping for Hurricane Season: A Shady Pines Gazette Exclusive!

by | Jun 2, 2026 | Breaking News, Shady Pines Stories, The Kindness Connection Blog

World Ocean’s Day and Hurricane Prep

Welcome to June

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?

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Exciting News Straight From the Founder of Shady Pines Story town

Exciting News Straight From the Founder of Shady Pines Story town

by | Apr 26, 2026 | Breaking News, Special Events, The Kindness Connection Blog

Becoming a Special Kind of Mom

And So It Begins

Dear Readers, in honor of Mother's Day I thought you'd like to hear from one of our neighbors who became a mom when she least expected it. Yes I'm talking about Edna Sanders. The day she and Harold adopted those two four-legged rascals her life changed forever. I'll let her tell you.

"Oh, for heaven's sakes," says Edna. "If you’d told me I’d be getting teary eyed over a dog slobbering on my good apron or a cat slung over my shoulder, I would’ve laughed right out loud. But here we are, just before another Mother’s Day, and I can’t help reflecting on the sweetest surprise life ever handed me and my Harold: the day we became fur parents."

New Family Members

"To say that adopting these two critters came as a complete surprise would be the understatement of the year. Or, any year for that matter! I won't get into exactly how it happened because my author friend, Mary Jane McKittrick, talks all about that in her second book, "Boomer and Halley Lost and Found -Learning to Live in a Blended Family." I'll just say it was a life changing experience for all of us."

"One evening, not long ago, I was sitting out on the back porch in my favorite big wooden chair that rocks a bit. I was admiring my garden of flowers that took such care to get to bloom. Boomer was lying on the ground gnawing on his favorite rawhide bone with his head on my feet. Halley was perched on the armrest. And that's when it hit me. I never had children of my own. Life just didn’t work out that way for us. But in that moment, with the late sun painting everything in a warm glow and these two babies looking up at me like I hung the moon, my heart swelled so big I thought it might burst."

I was a mama after all.

Not Always Easy

"Being a fur mom isn’t always glamorous. There are muddy paw prints on my clean floors, early-morning zoomies that sound like a herd of elephants, and the occasional “gift” of a half-dead lizard from Halley.

But there’s also the way Boomer leans against my leg when I’m feeling blue, like he can sense it. And the way Halley curls into the exact shape of my neck when I’m reading in bed, purring her little heart out.

There’s the laughter when Harold tries to teach Boomer to fetch. Sure as shootin' he ends up chasing the ball himself while Boom sits there grinning like, “You do it, Dad. They healed something in me I didn’t even know was aching."

Different Kind of Parent

"This Mother’s Day, I want every woman who’s loved a four-legged child to know this: your love counts. The late-night worry when they’re sick, the silly songs you make up for them, the way your heart lights up when they run to greet you—it’s all real mothering. The kindness, caring and love you show them is real. Fur babies don’t replace anything, but they sure do fill up spaces you never knew were empty."

Adults reading a book

"To my Boomerang and my Halley’s Comet: thank you for choosing us. Not sure who was most lost at the time, but I'm sure glad we found one another. You made my Southern heart a mama’s heart."

"And to every fur mom reading this—whether you’ve got horses, dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, or all the above—happy Mother’s Day. May your treats be plentiful, your lint rollers never run out, and your fur babies always know how deeply they are loved.

With sweet tea and even sweeter love, Edna Sanders, in the small Southern town of Shady Pines."

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Texas Flooding Disaster Triggers Powerful Response in Shady Pines Story Town

Texas Flooding Disaster Triggers Powerful Response in Shady Pines Story Town

by | Jul 9, 2025 | Breaking News, Shady Pines Stories, The Kindness Connection Blog

Could It Happen Here?

Oh, dear readers, the reality is so much worse than anyone could imagine.

Now a recovery project, the flooding tragedy in central Texas has people in Shady Pines asking an important question: Are we prepared?

In a short period of time, the Guadalupe River swallowed too much rain over the Fourth of July weekend and roared out of its banks rising some thirty feet.

The powerful, rushing water swept away everything in its path in the middle of the night.

At the heart of this nightmare was Camp Mystic where young campers were sleeping. Twenty seven young girls and some of their counselors did not make it through the night alive.

Neither did more than a hundred other people.

Another hundred or more  have still not been found.

Searching

The search goes on for the missing. So much loss. Such devestation. Unspeakable grief.

Shady Pines Story Town sits on the bank of the McCaw River. You have to take a bridge to get to River City on the other side.

We even have a lake near downtown. That's a lot of water. And, it's hurricane season.

Taking Action

Realizing this kind of natural disaster can happen anywhere, Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs calls a meeting downtown at City Hall.

He brings together his staff and members of the community for this effort.

Naturally The Shady Pines Gazette editor Zulah Talmadge and Scoop the Cub Reporter are there to cover the news.

"Thank you everyone for coming," says Mayor Fibbs. "I think we can all agree that we need to review our plan of action because these weather events are bigger and happening more often than ever before."

Rita Malena, Director tof The Shady Pines Community Center has a question. "What are you thinking Mr. Mayor?" she askes.

"Oh, Rita, good. I'm glad you're here," says Fibbs. "We'll want to use the community center as our staging area in case of an emergency. All food, water, clothing and other essentials will be brought there."

Harold and Edna Sanders are t the meeting, too. Harold has a question. "What do business owners need to know?"

Pulling Together

"That's a very good question, Harold," says the mayor. "Since you own the Nuts 'N Bolts Hardware store we'll use your downtown location to coordinate with other business owners. You have tools for repairs and you can talk to Fred at Fred's Corner Grocer and Maggie of Maggie's Diner to help manage food supplies."

"I bet Joe over at Cup 'O Joe's coffee shop will contribute drinks and snacks when we need them," adds Harold.

The mayor claps his hands. "Great idea! Anyone else?"

Edna raises her hand. "Mayor Fibbs since so many of us have pets, I'd like to reach out to Pete at Pet's Galore and see how we can round up supplies for any animals that might be displaced in a storm."

Mayor Fibbs smiles. "That's an excellent idea Edna," he says. "Raising those rascals Boomer and Halley has taught you a thing or two about pet ownership hasn't it?"

Edna sighs. "You have no idea."

Seven year old Ray Robinson has a question. "Mr. Mayor. My mom says that we should practice our evacuation drill so we know what to do if we have to leave quickly."

Mayor Fibbs walks over to the shy youngster. "That's a really good idea Ray."

Ray shuffles his feet. "The next time I play with Boomer and Halley I'll teach them the plan, too!

"I cannot wait to watch you do that," says Edna.

Harold chimes in. "Me either."

The mayor chuckles. "Meanwhile I'm going to review our town's budget so we have enough money to make sure our warning sirens are in tip top shape. That's one of lessons from the floods in Texas. Too many people didn't have enough warning."

Next Steps

Zulah reviews her notes. "Mayor Fibbs are you going to have this action plan given to all of our neighbors?

"Yes Zulah. And I'd like you and Scoop to report what we discussed here. I'm sure there will be follow up articles too. Oh, and I'd like you to cooridnate emergency communication efforts with fire and police so everyone has the same information."

"We will do it," says Scoop. 

With that, the meeting is over. Once everyone is gone and he's alone in his office, Mayor Fibbs takes a moment to look out his second story window onto Main Street below.

"Gosh I love this town," he says to himself. After all, he grew up here. Now as mayor, Beauregard feels a real need to look after the good people who call this special place home -  and those who come to visit.

We hope you drop in often. After all, kindness and caring lives here. And that's worth celebrating in times likes these don't you think?

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Shady Pines Joins Efforts to Help Kids Affected by L.A. Fires

Shady Pines Joins Efforts to Help Kids Affected by L.A. Fires

by | Jan 16, 2025 | Breaking News, The Kindness Connection Blog

Wildfires Affect Everyone

The images are awful. All over the big 'ole area that is Los Angeles, California homes, businesses, schools, banks, libraries, places of worship and more, are wiped out in a matter of minutes.

The blazing infernos force people and pets to run for their lives.

Wild, gusting, swirling Santa Ana winds overpower firefighters battling the flames on the ground.

On the Ground and In the Air

When the winds calm down the fight goes on in the skies. This real life horror movie is still going on a week after it started.

News crews captures the images. Reports of celebrities losing their houses make headlines.

But a whole lot of everyday folks who have lived in the area for a really long time are losing their homes too.

How To Help the Children

And what about the children who may not have a house anymore - or a school?

In the small Southern town of Shady Pines residents watch the ongoing story on their screens. They are horrified like everyone else following the daily updates. What can they do?

Mayor Beauregard Fibbs is no stranger to extreme weather events. After all, hurricanes and strong storms happen a lot around here.

Right now he's in his downtown office pacing back and forth.

"This is horrible. Just horrible, "says the mayor. "We may be a long ways away from the west coast but by golly there's something we can do to help."

Putting A Plan Together

Mayor Fibbs calls up The Shady Pines Gazette editor, Zulah Talmadge and Scoop the Cub reporter.

"Zulah, will you and Scoop get over here as soon as you can? We need to put out the word that ourtight knit community is going to pull together to help those folks who have lost everything. I'm especially worried about the kids."

Zulah and Scoop are out covering another story, but when they they get the call from mayor, they hurry over to City Hall.

Getting Focused

As Scoop packs up his camera gear, Zulah has a thought. "I'm glad the mayor is focusing on children. The need is so great out there in L.A. We wouldn't know where to start."

Scoop agrees. "You're right. I've seen bunches of places popping up with all sorts of donated items that folks desperately need."

Zulah whirls around and grabs Scoop by the shoulders. "I have an idea. I saw a story on the TODAY show that might help us."

Scoop looks at her wide eyed."How?"

Zulah explains. "It featured an organization called, Save The Children. They find ways to make life more bearable for kids when disaster strikes.

Actress Jennifer Gardner has worked with Save The Children for sixteen years. We need to contact that them."

Look For The Helpers

Scoop tosses his bag into the white news van and throws Zulah the keys. 

"What are you doing?" asks Zulah.

Scoop looks excited. "I have an idea, too. I'll go ask Rita Malena to come to our meeting at the mayor's office. As the Director of the Community Center she can help us."

Zulah is amazed. "That's good thinking Scoop. Since the elementary school is right next to the center Rita can round up some teachers and parents, too."

"See ya in a bit Miss Zulah," says Scoop

Zulah sits in the front seat behind the steering wheel of the van and looks for the story on her ipad.

Here it is:

https://www.today.com/video/jennifer-garner-joins-save-the-children-to-help-la-wildfire-victims-229352005627

"Oh this makes me so happy," says Zulah. "We will be able to talk to these people and find a way to make a difference."

And dear readers, that's what Shady Pines Story Town is all about. Even when our world seems dark or discouraging, we allow kindness and caring to guide our way. It's how we try to bring a little light where and when it's needed most!

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