Christmas Countdown & Blessings

by Mary Jane | Dec 23, 2020 | Breaking News, The Kindness Connection Blog

Special Delivery

Look out! Oh, no! Whoa!

The amount of holiday mail is unbelievable this year. I’m Kim Dunworthy and I work for the Shady Pines post office. No kidding. We have our hands full – literally! Getting everything delivered on time is a real challenge. But we’re up to it.

Here’s the best part. Everyone knows we’re living in difficult times. But while I’m out making deliveries, I talk to our neighbors. This year, more than most, they’re counting their blessings.

All The News

Take Zulah Talmadge for example. Our hard working editor of The Shady Pines Gazette is out reporting everyday on how our town is coping during this pandemic. When I delivered the mail to her office yesterday she told me about all the prople who have thanked her for doing such a good job. It really made her feel good. Isn’t that nice? She says she’s so grateful.

Get The Scoop

The same thing could be said for Scoop the Cub Reporter. That red headed teenager goes above and beyond the call of duty. I see him out in all sorts of weather reporting on everything. After a big storm, there he is telling us about power outtages and clean up efforts. Or, he’s down at Town Hall letting us know what the mayor has in mind for school closings and stuff like that. Why, I once saw him interviewing a group of folks who didn’t want the big oak tree on Main Street to be torn down. He’s says he’s so lucky to be a reporter. He feels it’s a privilege to make sure people feel their voices are being heard.

His Honor

Of course, the most influential voice in town is that of Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs. He’s quite a character. I asked him the other day as I was dropping off a package what he likes about being mayor. He thought for a moment. Then he told me that serving others is a wonderful way to spend each day. He said it’s not the big speeches or the parades that matter. He feels good when he can do something to improve the life of a person or a family in need. He showed me the stack of Thank You letters he’s recieved. After reading some of them, I see what he means.

Centered Activities

Over at the Community Center I drop off a whole stack of mail for Rita Mallena. As the center’s director, she’s been switching up activities like crazy trying to make sure most of them can be done on line. Teachers at nearby Shady Pines Elementary School have been doing the same. Rita says she’s had so much help from an army of volunteers. By coordinating with the school she’s been able to keep kids entertained and engaged in ways she would never have thought up on her own. I think I saw tears in her eyes as she explained how grateful she is to everyone who has helped her this year.

What a Doggone Year

A happy family hugging their pets I know the Sanders family will have a thing or two to say. As I park in front of their home on Dogwood Drive across from Copy Cat Lane, I hear voices laughing out back. Harold and Edna are playing with their dog, Boomerang, while their cat, Halley’s Comet, sits on the picnic table trying to ignore them. I hand them a fistful of envelopes and ask how they’re doing. Harold says he’s more grateful than ever for the things he used to taked for granted. Friends and family take on new meaning now. Edna says she’s found new purpose volunteering with food drives and the ‘Give A Kid A Coat’ campaign. Mostly, they say, they have more tolerance and compassion knowing that everyone is hurting in some way. For more, check out Boomer and Halley Books

A Parting Thought

That’s the thing. We all may feel isolated at times; even depressed. I know I’ve had days when I thought, “will I get through this?” 2020 has been a really tough year. And, we don’t always know what other people are going through, do we? Here’s a video about being grateful from the sensational Emmy Award-winning vocal group Pentatonix called, THANK YOU.

So as I finish up my rounds today, I want to deliver this message that my mom told to me. Take time to cherish the people in your life. Time is precious. Count your blessings and be thankful for the good things you do have. Be kind, even when it’s hard. Give people the benefit of the doubt and hope they will do the same for you.

Oh, no, I running late. Merry Christmas! See you soon!

Shady Pines Letters to Santa

by Mary Jane | Dec 6, 2020 | Breaking News, The Kindness Connection Blog

Writing to Santa Claus

It’s that time of year folks! Kids all over Shady Pines are writing to Santa and letting him know what they want for Christmas. I’m Scoop the Cub reporter from The Shady Pines Gazette. Breaking News It’s so cool that my editor, Zulah Talmadge, gave me this assignment. I get a kick outta seeing what the kids write.

Our newspaper is encouraging adults to write letters this year, too. We’re going to have prizes for some of the best letters we get.

I think a few have already come in to our office here on Main Street. Let me go check the mail. Oh, good. Here’s one from Edna Sanders. She’s so nice. Let’s see what she has to say.

“Dear Santa, how are you? Because of the pandemic, this has been a tough year for our family like so many others. Harold and our kids, Boomerang and Halley’s Comet are counting our blessings. Harold’s Nuts ‘N Bolts hardware store has stayed busy enough that he didn’t have to lay off any of his employees. I’ve been able to volunteer and help out neighbors in need. In addition to our ongoing food drive, we just started collecting toys and warm winter coats. Boomer and Halley are still fussing at each other, which is normal. This Christmas I’m asking you to remind us to keep the spritit of Christmas in our hearts even in these difficult times. Love, Edna Sanders.”

Scoop finishes reading Edna’s letter. He hadn’t thought about the year quite that way. It has been hard to focus on the good when there’s been so much bad news. Edna’s right. There are a lot of folks in Shady Pines who are doing great work in the community spreading kindness and helping out others.

Oh, this should be interesting. It’s from Boomer. Just what does this Australian Shepherd want from Santa?

“Dear Santa, It’s me, Boomerang. I saw my mom writing to you. I bet she didn’t tell you what I want this year. I think I’ve been pretty good. I mean I live with that aggravatin’ cat so I do lose it sometimes. But, if you can fit it on your sleigh, I’d really like new chewy bones and some more tennis balls. I like to chase after them. Sometimes I try to get a bone and two tennis balls in my mouth at the same time. I did it once! Okay. That’s about it. See ya, Boomer”

Scoop sits back in his chair and shakes his head. That herding dog tries to be all tough and everything, but he’s really a good guy. Very kind to everyone. Still, the sibling rivalry between Boomer and his sister is legendary around here. That’s probably why our local author, Mary Jane McKittrick, writes books about them. Oh, wow. Speaking of Halley, here’s a letter from her!

“Dear, Santa. I don’t know if you remember me. I’m Halley’s Comet. Some people call me a silver streak of a cat. I live in Shady Pines with my wonderful parents, Harold and Edna. I have been very good this year. I know that because I haven’t been as mean to Boomer as I could be. I even got along with him that one time. Anyway, if you could, I need a new squeaky toy. And, can you bring more of those special kitty treats that I like? Oh, and more tuna would be good, too. Thank you, Halley.”

This one makes Scoop chuckle. That Halley is such a princess. She is classy, that’s for sure, and tough. She doesn’t take any guff from anyone – especially not from Boomer. But get her alone, and Halley is really sweet and loveable.

Here’s another letter. This one is from Mark Cahill. He’s only 5 years old. I can’t wait to read this one.

“Dear Santa, I am a good boy. I am nice to my little brother. I want Legos, Star Wars, and some surprises. I will leave cookies for you and applesauce for the reindeer. I like elves very much. Thank you, Mark.

Scoop smiles as he reads Mark’s letter. He tries to remember what he asked Santa to bring when he was 5 years old. Nope. Nothing comes to him. But one thing’s for sure. Mark is a kind kid.

Okay. Let’s find out who else has taken the time to send a letter. Ah, this one’s from Clara Miller. I think she’s 8, maybe 9 years old this year. I’m not really sure.

“Dear Santa, I hope you get this. I don’t know where the North Pole is. Do you really go around the world in one night? If you can do that, will you get my mom well? She’s really sick. I want some toys, but I want her home more. My dad is so scared. Please help us Santa.”

Scoop just looks at Clara’s letter with its scribbled hand writing. He takes a deep breath. A lot of families in Shady Pines have been affected by Covid 19. We’ve been reporting about it all year. Clara’s mom has been hospitalized for the past month. Neighbors have been doing what they can to support Clara, her dad and her brother.

This one’s from Rita Mallena. Let’s find out what our Community Center Director has on her mind.

“Dear, Santa. I’m writing to you for all the boys and girls who love coming to the Center and aren’t able to do that right now. Normally, we’d be getting ready for our annual Christmas party. The kids from the Shady Pines Elementary School next door always look forward to the meal, the singing, the games and the present exchange. It’s a really fun time for the children and their parents. Santa, my wish this year is that we will be able to have gatherings like that again very soon. In the meantime, please make sure everyone stays safe and healthy this holiday season. All the best, Rita.”

Scoop puts Rita’s letter back in the envelope. Geez. If all the letters that come into the Gazette office are as good as this batch, it’s going to be hard to pick winners. Just wondering, what would your letter to Santa say this year? Please let us know and leave a comment below!

Labor Day Weekend in Shady Pines

by Mary Jane | Sep 4, 2020 | Shady Pines Stories, The Kindness Connection Blog

What is Labor Day?

It’s Labor Day weekend in Shady Pines Story Town. But, the question is, why do we celebrate the first Monday in September as Labor Day? I’m Zulah Talmadge in the Shady Pines Gazette office and that’s the question we’re going to answer for you.

Labor Day is a holiday that celebrates the hard work and accomplishments of workers in America. On this day each year, we honor how they helped make our country strong and successful.

How Labor Day Started

In the 1800s, many people worked very long hours in unsafe factories or mines and didn’t make much money. Even young children about your age worked all day in these places and made even less money than the adults. Their job was much harder and more dangerous than the chores you do today, like cleaning your room and taking out the trash.

These workers joined unions, which were organized groups of workers created to look out for their members. Sometimes the union workers would hold marches and protests to complain about the bad conditions in which they worked and the low pay they received.

In September 5, 1882, union workers from many different trades, or kinds of jobs, took a day off and lost a day’s pay to march in New York City to demand better pay, fewer hours, and safer working conditions.

Many stayed after the march to have a picnic and enjoy their day off with other families in the park where the march ended. This became the first unofficial Labor Day parade.

Labor Day Becomes an Official Holiday

The celebration of workers became more popular in other parts of the United States every year. In 1887, Oregon was the first state to pass a law making Labor Day a holiday.

Just like playing ‘follow the leader’, other states like Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York also began passing laws in 1887 recognizing Labor Day as a holiday. Normally, colorful parades are held in cities all over the nation. This year, with the pandemic, that probably won’t happen. Large gatherings with bunches of people is not a good idea right now.

Oh, back to the story. In 1894, Congress passed an act that made Labor Day a national holiday that would be held on the first Monday of September every year to celebrate American workers. Some say the September date was chosen because it falls between the 4th of July and Thanksgiving.

But to tell you the truth, no one knows for sure if that’s the reason. One thing is for sure. You can still celebrate the day with a picnic. Being outside and social distancing, you can have plenty of good, old fashion, fun!

Working conditions have greatly improved in the United States since the 19th century. Even so, we still have a long way to go before all workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. You should ask your parents about the jobs they’ve had in the past and how they were treated. That could get really interesting.

Meanwhile, as for me and Scoop the Cub Reporter, we’ll be working this Labor Day.

We have a lot of ground to cover. We’ll be going all over Shady Pines reporting on what people are doing to celebrate this special holiday.

Why don’t you let us know in the comments below what you and your family are planning for this last unofficial weekend of summer!

See ya later.

– Zulah

A Doggone Way to Help Others

by Mary Jane | May 26, 2020 | Shady Pines Stories, The Kindness Connection Blog

GIVING BACK IN CREATIVE WAYS

Hello. I’m Boomerang here in Shady Pines Story Town and I have a bone to pick with another Australian Shepherd. It seems a dog named, Ivy, paints pictures to raise money for charity. Can you belive that? Ivy and her mom, Lisa Kite, live in the south like me only they’re in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Oh, sure. It’s a really good thing that the gals are doing. Here’s the problem. Because Ivy is getting a lot of publicity, my mom thinks I should be doing the same. Me, painting pictures. Of all the gosh darn silly ideas.

Look folks. I’m all for donating to charity, especially to those helping families and animals hit hard by the Coronavirus.

But I’m a herding dog, not an artist. I can round up critters and people and pin them in a corner before you can yell, “NO!” But give me a paint brush and I’d probably just bury it next to my favorite bone.

Anyway, these days my two-legged parents, Harold and Edna Sanders, take me along with them when they deliver food packages to needy neighbors.

COOKING UP CARE PACKAGES

You know how much mom likes to cook. Well, she and dad cooked up this idea to create gift boxes. A lot of businesses in town had to close down due to the pandemic. That means a lot of people don’t have jobs right now and aren’t being paid. I guess that means they can’t buy stuff. They’re struggling to get food for their kids. I can’t imagine not having my favorite dog food.

My dad owns the hardware store downtown on Main Street. Nuts ‘N Bolts is still open and every day he hears stories of people in need. He says it breaks his heart, especially when he hears about children and pets going hungry. That’s why once a week mom cooks meals, dad puts them in boxes and we head out in the family station wagon we call, Sweet Pea. Mom named it that ’cause it’s kinda green like those peas they eat. Yuck.

We even take my sister Halley’s Comet along with us sometimes. I have no idea why. That cat drives me crazy. She’s such a know-it-all. Halley thinks she’s so smart. She always yammering on about something she saw on TV, like I care. Mom says I should be kind to her. Really? Mom never had an annoying little sister.

Oh, look. We’re pulling up to our next stop. Dad just honked the horn to let them know we’re here. The Hendersons have three kids and two dogs. Wow. They seem really happy to see us. I guess this is a good thing we’re doing. My stump tail is a wagging and even Halley is smiling. It feels good to give back.

PAWS TO WATCH

To watch the story of Ivy, the Austrailan Shepherd dog, painting for charity CLICK HERE

We’ll be back with more stories from Shady Pines very soon.

***Leave us a comment below and tell us what you think!

Shady Pines Memorial Day With a Twist!

by Mary Jane | May 21, 2020 | Shady Pines Stories, The Kindness Connection Blog

It’s Memorial Day weekend! Even though most of the country is opening up, it won’t be business as usual for this 2020 holiday. After all, the pandemic is still a reality, and social distancing is very much in place. The Shady Pines Gazette news editor, Zulah Talmadge, put out the word a week ago that she wants the people of Shady Pines Story Town to submit ideas for new ways to celebrate. Now, she’s having a hard time answering all the calls coming in!

“Yes, Sara, we’re doing a bunch of different stories about the holiday. What are you and Joe and the kids doing this year? You’re going to the picnic in Stone Wall Park? You know it’s going to be different? Uh-huh. I see. You’re bringing your own food and plan to stay six feet apart from everyone else? OK. We’ll see you there.”

Zulah writes a few ideas in her reporter’s notebook. The annual Shady Pines Story Town Memorial Day Picnic is a big deal every year. But the gathering this year will be smaller and have strict conditions about where people can sit and what they can do.

Parking will be restricted to fewer cars than normal and areas will be roped off to prevent people gathering in large groups. Volunteers will be on hand to encourage everyone to follow the new rules so that everyone stays safe. Shady Pines is a small Southern town with a population of around 6,000 people. So,managing “crowds’ is easier here than in some places around the country.

Across the newsroom, Scoop the Cub Reporter is talking to a father with a story idea.

“So, Mr. Johnson, let me get this right. Your oldest son is a soldier. He is stationed a long way away from Shady Pines. You and other families are getting together tomorrow to send letters and gift boxes to the troops. And that’s happening at the Community Center? Director Rita Malena is organizing it? That’s great. I think I’ve got it.”

Breaking News After the gentleman leaves, Scoop walks over to Zulah’s desk.

“Ms. Talmadge, here are my notes about the Community Center Connect With A Soldier activities.”

Zulah looks them over. “Thanks, Scoop. It’s especially important to remember the soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom. We owe them so much.”

Scoop looks right her. “We need to make sure our reporting reminds everyone of that.”

Zulah nods her head. “On a lighter note, I just got a call from a mom who wants us to know that some folks are skipping the picnic at Stonewall Park this year. She says instead, they plan to swim, picnic and take the small sail boats out on the lake.”

Scoop smiles. “Well, that’s right next to the park, so we can cover both areas easily.”

As Memorial Day dawns, people all over town spring into action. Some walk their dogs; kids ride their bicycles and parents make plans for the day. Many neighbors are just staying home and having backyard picnics. There’s one thing they all have in common. They’re all finding ways to enjoy our national holiday.

Zulah and Scoop catch all the action down by the lake before heading to Stonewall Park.

By 5pm Mayor Beauregard Fibbs is ready to kick off the festivities there. He has a microphone so people can hear what he has to say.

“Good afternoon everyone. Thank you for being here on this glorious Memorial Day. Before we get started, let’s take a minute to remember the brave soldiers from Shady Pines who gave everything so that we have the lives we do. Please bow your heads in silence.”

Zulah and Scoop stand with all their neighbors, and pause to reflect on those who have been lost in military conflicts.

“Thank you, folks,” says Mayor Fibbs. “Welcome. Look around. You’ll see everyone has prepared their own meal, are staying close enough to chat, but not too close. Look, we all realize this is not our usual event, but let’s be responsibe so that we all stay healthy. And, how about a round of applause for all our health care workers and first reponders who have been going above and beyond in this time of need. That’s it. Hit your pots and pans together. Let’s make some noise! All right. Enjoy your meal and when it gets dark, we’ll start the movie. Have a great time!”

Following the mayor’s remarks, everyone digs in to the hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and all the typical picnic foods each family has packed. While the kids play, some of the adults sit in folding chairs, spaced a good distance apart and talk. By the way, the FORKLY website has some Memorial Day recipes for kids: GO HERE

“Come on, Scoop,” says Zulah. “Why don’t you get some shots of all this activity while I get some comments from folks. We should have enough for a good story.”

Scoop struggles with his camera. “After that, can we eat?”

“Spoken like a true teenager. Of, course we can, Scoop. I brought a cooler full of food just for us!” says Zulah.

Another successful Memorial Day is officially underway. Neighbors of all ages and backgrounds laugh, swap stories, and eat a good meal. More memories are being made during this slightly different approach to an important American holiday.

What are some of your plans for Memorial Day this year? Please share them with us in commnets.