Shady Pines Remembers a Civil Rights Legend
The Importance of Martin Luther King Day
Just days ahead of Martin Luther King Day this year, Boston unveiled a new statue. 
I’m Zulah Talmadge in the Shady Pines Gazette nes office. “The Embrace” honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King’s civil rights journey and their early years in Boston.
The reveal took place on the Boston Common in a joyous ceremony attended by Massachusetts’ political leaders and members of the King family.
The 20-foot high bronze sculpture is inspired by a 1964 photo of the couple embracing after Martin Luther King Jr. learned he had won the Nobel Peace Prize. Did you know 
about the civil rights leader’s connection to Boston?
MLK’s national holiday lands on the third Monday in January every year. So this Monday, January 16th, is a great time to help children set a respectful and kind tone for the year ahead. 
Martin Luther King, Jr. wanted to bring compassion, fairness and racial equality to all people throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
As a Baptist minister, Dr. King believed that everyone in America has equal rights. But, back then, people were treated differently because of the color of their skin. Dr. King worked on behalf of equal rights for all of us under the law.
“I Have A Dream”
On August 28, 1963, a quarter of a million people gathered at the Mall in Washington, D.C. to support Dr. Kings ‘dream’ of equality.
His “I Have A Dream” speech is still thought to be one of the most powerful in American history. He called on the people of our nation to come together and treat one another with fairness and mutual respect. Here is the one line that is often quoted:
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
The speech was effective. Two years later, The Voting Rights Act of 1965 became law. It gave people of all races the right to vote. Three years after that, Congress passed the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Unfortunatey, Dr. King didn’t live long enough to see those changes happen.
Civil Rights Leader Gets National Holiday
Because of his lifelong mission to create opportunity for all Americans, on November 2, 1983, 
President Ronald Reagan signed Martin Luther King Day, into law, making it a federal holiday.
With Dr. King’s widow, Coretta Scott King looking on, the ceremony was held at the White House. Here’s part of what President Reagan said about Dr. King:
“He loved unconditionally. He was in constant pursuit of truth, and when he discovered it, he embraced it. He taught us that only peaceful means can bring about peaceful ends, that our goal was to create a loving community.”
Just In The Nick of Time
With all the angry political divide in our country right now, Martin Luther King Day comes just at the right time, don’t you think? His peaceful approach to intolerance was not only the right way to encourage change, it actually worked!
He made progress where others had failed. Dr. King remains a towering figure in American history. Maybe we should all pause on Monday and think about our own dreams for this country. 
What do the children in your lives see when they look to the future?
Here in Shady Pines, we do our best to treat our animal and human neighbors with kindness, respect and caring. It doesn’t matter how old or young they are and where they came from. In our town, everyone matters.
What about you? What’s it like where you live?
***Please Leave Us A Comment Below***
for is brewing off the coast.
Those rains are already soaking the coastal regions in the South.
track this storm system closely to make sure they can still go ahead with everything that’s supposed to happen on Monday.
straight lines as they form teams. 
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.
We’re all about that in Shady Pines.
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.
Bottom line, in Shady Pines no matter what the weather or the holiday 
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!”
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.
You really know it’s spring in Shady Pines Story Town when the first day of May rolls around.
In fact, it’s such a big deal our mayor, Beauregard P. Fibbs, is declaring 
Vendors will sell everything from clothing to jewelrey, artwork, pottery and so much more. There will be live music and food trucks. Bring the family and let’s enjoy this marvelous month in a very Shady Pines way!”
A group gathering is welcome news after folks around here had to spend so much time apart because of the pandemic. Now the small Southern town can kick up its heels at a party or kick back and smell those bright, wonderful, spring flowers.
We’ll have all sorts of flavors available like chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, plus rocky road, pepermint, and so much more. After that, we’ll dance around the 
maypole.”
permanent maypole up all year round on village greens and in squares.
Thursday the 5th. Can you guess what it is? That’s right! Kim is organizing a Cinco De Mayo party. Kim grew up in nearby River City just over the McCaw River, but one of her best friends is from Mexico.
Hey everyone. We’re about to celebrate a very important day for our nation, 
and for the folks here in Shady Pines. I’m Scoop the Cub Reporter for The Shady Pines Gazette. Vet
It’s important to know who we’re celebrating. So explaining who qulifies as a veteran helps kids understand the honorees behind the holiday. A veteran is a former member of the armed services or military. Branches of the military include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, and veterans may have served during times of war or peace.
might be willing to show them their service memorabilia, photos or stories or even wear their uniform to help your child better understand the concept of what it means to serve.
I don’t know about you, but most people I know confuse Veterans Day and
I found some information from the
who served honorably in the military — in wartime or peacetime.”