What Makes Presidents Day in Shady Pines Story Town Such a Big Deal?
Why Presidents Day Matters
Oh good. You’re just in time. Dear reader, you may not know it, but Presidents Day in Shady Pines Story Town is not just another federal holiday. No, NO! Monday February 16th is a day of celebration around here.
It’s a chance to shed light on the qualities that make our community strong.
Two of our greatest presidents help remind us what it is to be a good neighbor. And in this small Southern town that means everything.
I think if you listen in on the conversation going on now between Shady Pines Gazette Editor, Zulah Talmadge and Scoop, the Cub reporter, you’ll see what I mean.
Let’s Talk Leadership
“Scoop I think if we’re going to write an article about Presidents Day we need to start with leadership,” says Zulah. “Leadership is about character, not just power.”
Scoop finishes his phone call. “What’s that Ms. Talmadge? Leadership. Right. Then let’s begin with our first president, George Washington.”
Zulah nods her approval. “What do you have in mind?”
Honest Truth Or Myth?
“Well, says Scoop, when we talk about good character there’s a story about him that may or may not be true, but the lesson is a good one.”
“Which one is that?” asks Zulah
“It’s the one about the power of honesty,” answers Scoop. “We learned in school that Washington was only six years old when he was given a hatchet as a gift. He started messing around with it. Of course he didn’t mean to but he accidentally damaged his father’s cherry tree.”
“When his father found out what he had done, he was angry and confronted his son. Young George bravely said, “I cannot tell a lie…I did cut it with my hatchet.” Scoop sighs. “That’s when Washington’s father hugged him and said that his son’s honesty was worth more than a thousand trees.”
Honest Abe
It’s Zulah’s turn. “Since we’re on this topic, how about we turn to our 16th president?”
Scoop lights up. “Cool. Abraham Lincoln was known for his honesty way back when he was a teenager like me!”
Zulah smiles at Scoop’s enthusiasm. “That’s right. The future president was first called “Honest Abe” when he was working as a young store clerk in New Salem, Illinois.
According to one story, whenever he realized he had shortchanged a customer by a few pennies, he would close the shop and deliver the correct change – no matter of how far he had to walk. People respected him for that.
“
Integrity
Scoop nods his head. “You know else both of these men had Ms. Talmadge besides being honest?”
“What Scoop?”
“They had integrity. They did the right thing even when it was hard.”
Zulah takes a sip of coffee from the big coffee mug sitting on her desk. “Go on.”
Scoop clears his throat. “Back to President Washington for a minute. We know he was one of the founding fathers of this country. He was also Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Back in 1775 he led the fight to gain our country’s independence from the British. 
“Where are you going with this Scoop?”
“This is the kicker, says Scoop. “Even though people wanted him to stay on longer as president, Washington left office voluntarily after his second term.
By doing that, he introduced the idea of term limits. Isn’t that something we talk about even today?”
Legacy
“Good point,” says Zulah. Both of these men showed us why honesty and character matters so most. The other thing that impresses me about Lincoln is that he came from a very poor background and worked hard all his life. He was fair and reliable. He even had an amazing ability to split wood. “
Scoop agrees. “And just like Washington, Lincoln led our country through a really horrible war.”
“He sure did,” agrees Zulah. “The Civil War was one of the 
darkest periods in our history. Our country was badly divided. North versus South.”
Scoop looks down. He remembers seeing pictures of those battles.
“I know,” says Zulah softly. “It’s hard to get those images out of your head, isn’t it?”
Scoop replies, “yes.”
Zulah takes a deep breath. 
“Think about this. One of the most moving speeches ever delivered took place on the site of one of those battlefields. Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg address includes one of the most important notions about our country ever stated:
“government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
Scoop is emotional. “That statement still gives me chills.”
“Me, too,” says Zulah
Why All Of This Matters
Scoop leans back in his chair. “You know Ms. Talmadge this is what I tell little kids who ask me why I like these presidents. To me, these two men show what it is to be a good person. Heck, they were people we’d love to have as neighbors here in Shady Pines.
Zulah turns towards her computer and starts typing on her keyboard. “That’s the way we’ll end our story Scoop. We’ll say that the same kindness, caring, and respect these presidents had for the country are the same qualities we should all show to our friends, family and neighbors. That’s what makes our community special. Even in a crazy modern world you can always find a safe, compassionate place in Shady Pines where kindess matters!”
Dear readers, in Shady Pines Story Town we find acts of friendship and kindness during and after a record setting snow event here in the South. Our beloved neighbors come together to help one another and show all of us the true spirit of community.
When he finally makes it to his office at City Hall Mayor Beuregard P. Fibbs gets busy on the phone. ” I need to get the word out to stay at home if possible and be careful if you have to go out,” he says. “The roads and sidewalks are icy.” One of his first calls is to the Shady Pines Gazette office to make sure editor Zulah Talmadge and Scoop, the Cub Reporter are covering the story. Zulah’s cell phone rings. “Why, hello mayor. Yes. We are heading out now. We’ll make sure to check on our elderly neighbors and pets. With help from Fred and his Corner Grocer shop, Maggie’s Diner is providing hot lunches. Volunteers are making food deliveries to folks who are stuck at home.”
Harold Sanders, owner of Nuts ‘n Bolts hardware store downtown quickly gathers shovels and friends. “That’s it everyone,” says Harold. We’ll have these sidewalks and pathways cleared in no time. Teamwork!” 
“It’s too cold out there for someone who may have lost power. No electricity means no heat. They’ll need a warm place to stay,” she says. “I remember when that happened to me a few years ago. I was shivering and scared. I don’t want anyone else to go throught that.”
Kim Dunworthy won’t let the weather stop her from delivering the mail. “You just have to find a way to get the job done,” she says.
Boomerang and Halley’s Comet help their mom Edna hand out mugs of hot chocolate to our neighbor friends who are out helping others.
“Hurry up Halley,” shouts Boomer. “Right behind you,” hisses the silver streak of a cat.”You don’t need to yell.”
If you’re watching, reading or listening to too much news, then dear reader, your blood presure is probably through the roof! 
The amount of stress most people are feeling these days is hard to put into words.
All ages are feeling it. Even some of our younger neighbors here in Shady Pines Story Town are troubled by the images they see on TV and other electronic devices.
What’s going to make folks feel better?
Today seven-year-old Ray Robinson stops by for a pick me up.
Edna places a plate with four cookies in front of Ray along with a tall glass of milk. She lifts Halley to the floor and sits next to her visitor. “What did you want to talk about?”
Edna leans in closer. “You know how I usually get good grades, right?” Edna nods yes. “Of course. Ray you’re a wonderful student.”
Ray says softly. “I sure hope you’re right.”
Ray please come over here and meet my blender, Gertie.
Ray looks confused. “Like what?”
I don’t know what January is like where you live dear reader, but here in Shady Pines Story Town this first month of the year can be really cold. Sometimes we even get snow.
You need a bright outfit and a buddy to find a palyful activity to keep you busy.
He lived in the South. Back then, he saw that Black (Colored) people did not have the same rights as White people. 
King led peaceful marches and nonviolent protests chanting, “We Shall Overcome.”
That one-of-a-kind document says that all people in this country have the same rights no matter the color of their hair, skin, religion, age, disability or nationality.
Dr.King
Monday at the Shady Pine
Welcome dear readers and thank you for visiting Shady Pines Story Town. Can you hear it?
As her list gets longer, Boomerang paddles into the kitchen and lays his handsome head on her lap.
“Pipe down Halley,” growls Boomer. “Mom and I are having a moment.”
Edna retrieves Boomer’s bone from the floor and gives it to him. Next, she point to the ground. “Boomer, down. Now!”
Boomer crunches his bone then looks up.” Yeah, that was nice of them. I got the stuff that was hidden down low and you found the goodies up top.”
Edna turns to hug him. “Hi sweetheart. Let me take your coat.”
“Good point,” says Edna. “Paying attention to even the smallest gesture makes me want to do more to make other people feel better.”
that often reminds me to reach out when someone is sick, or in the hospital. Sometimes just sending a card of some flowers can make their day.”
We see it coming. There’s always a countown as another year comes to an end. What’s the old saying dear reader? “Time Waits For No Man.” It doesn’t wait for any of us – man, woman or child.
We believe in conversation, not confrontation and that by working together we can overcome most challenges. Our neighbors respond to this in a good way and we think our kindness connection makes this small Southern town special.
Let’s face it. Most of us begin each morning thinking about what we ‘Have to Do.” I bet you do, too.
One person did something kind and other people saw that and wanted to do the same sort of thing.