The Moon is In the Pink this April 26th

The Moon is In the Pink this April 26th

by | Apr 26, 2021 | Breaking News, The Kindness Connection Blog

The Pink Moon

Are you ready for the 2021 Pink Moon? Monday night’s full moon will be the first of two supermoons this year. We’re excited about it here at The Shady Pines Gazette. I’m Zulah Talmadge and I want to let you know about this colorful moon.

According to NASA, the “pink super moon” will be at its biggest and brightest at 11:32 p.m. ET tonight, April 26, 2021. The National Weather Service says most in Upstate New York should be able to enjoy it as the forecast calls for mostly clear skies until after midnight.

Check this moonrise calculator to see when the supermoon might start climbing into the sky near you. The moon will especially be bright because it’s a “supermoon,” which occurs when the full moon is at its closest points to Earth. Supermoons can appear about 7% bigger and 15% brighter than a typical full moon, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Just so you aren’t disappointed, Monday night’s moon won’t actually look pink, though.“The moon will be its usual golden color near the horizon and fade to a bright white as it glides overhead,” the Almanac said.

The full moon in April is only called the Pink Moon because it coincides with the early springtime blooms of phlox subulata, a “moss pink” wildflower commonly known as creeping phlox or moss phlox. April’s full moon is also known as the Fish Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon, and the Egg Moon.

So look to the sky tonight and see if you can spot this Super Moon. If you miss it, it wil be a full moon until Wednesday morning!

Election Stress During Kindness Week

Election Stress During Kindness Week

by | Nov 6, 2020 | Breaking News, Shady Pines Stories, The Kindness Connection Blog

A STRESSFUL ELECTION

I want you to know about two events that are happening at the same time. You really should be paying attention to both. Zulah Talmage with you from The Shady Pines Gazette news team. On the one hand, our nation is still waiting to hear the results of the 2020 presidential election. Unlike other elections, this one is taking a long time.

So many people voted by mail, it’s taking a good deal of time to count all those additional votes. Volunteers are working around the clock to make sure they do everything they can to be accurate about the vote totals.

Meanwhile, people are marching in the streets to demonstrate to officials how importat they feel it is their vote be counted. It’s clear that a lot of voters are really stressed out right now. They desperately want to find out as soon as possible whether their candidate won.

INTERNATIONAL KINDNESS WEEK

At the same time all that’s happening, we’re heading into International Kindness Week. It wraps up next Friday, November 13th. That day is known as World Kindness Day. This week people all over the world are being asked to pay attention to the way they act and speak to one another. One of the slogans you might hear is this: “If you can’t find a kind person – be one.” Isn’t that great? Here’s another one: “In a world where you can be anything, Be Kind.”

Listen, I get it. Scoop, The Cub Reporter and I have been all over Shady Pines Story Town covering this election. People have very strong ideas about who should be our next president. You’ll meet people who’ll tell you all the reasons why we should re-elect our current president, Donald Trump.

Then just like that, you’ll bump into someone else who thinks the country needs a different direction. They will tell you in no uncertain terms why former Vice President, Joe Biden, is the right man for the job. Because emotions are so high, we sometimes forget to consider that eveyone is concerned about how this election will be decided. We tend to forget that just like everyone’s vote counts, so do their opinions – even if we don’t agree with them.

As this week, or weeks go along, Scoop and I will continue to cover all the twists and turns that this year’s presidential election will throw our way. There will probably be calls for states to hold re-counts of votes and who-knows-what else? 2020 has been an unusual year, and there’s no reason to expect a “normal” election, is there?

But along with all the election madness, we know it will come to an end. It may not be the result you were hoping for when you cast your ballot. 

We need to remember that our co-workers, friends, neighbors and family members feel strongly about the candidate they wanted to win. So, since this is International Kindness Week and all, maybe we can focus on compassion. We don’t want to lose and neither does anyone else.

This week, like every week in Shady Pines, kindness and caring can go a long way!

Shady Pines Memorial Day With a Twist!

Shady Pines Memorial Day With a Twist!

by | 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 NewsAfter 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.

Valentine’s Day Preps in Shady Pines

Valentine’s Day Preps in Shady Pines

by | Feb 4, 2019 | Shady Pines Stories

GETTING READY FOR VALENTINE’S DAY 

A cold wind blows down Main Street in Shady Pines Story Town. It’s early February and storefronts are filled with images of hearts and flowers. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

Scoop, the cub reporter, with The Shady Pines Gazette newspaper is on a mission. He wants to interview folks about how they plan to celebrate this very special day.

The young teenager’s first stop is the mayor’s office in Town Hall. With a bag filled with his gear slung over his left shoulder, Scoop runs up the steps to the double front doors.

“Hi, Sally,” says Scoop as he greets the receptionist at the front desk. The young woman with the dark, brown hair looks up from her computer to greet the eager reporter.

“Hey, Scoop, you can go right in,” she says. “Mayor Fibbs is expecting you.” She hands Scoop a list of activities planned around town. Scoop knocks on the mayor’s office door.

MAYOR BEAUREGARD P. FIBBS’ OFFICE

“Come in,” says Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs. He gets up from his chair behind his big wooden desk as Scoop comes through the door. “Hello young man.”

Scoop shakes the mayor’s hand. “Thank you for doing this Mayor Fibbs.”

The mayor motions for Scoop to take a seat. “Not at all. Glad to do it. What’s on your mind?”

Looking into his bag, Scoop pulls out his reporter’s notebook and pen. “I think a lot of people around town would be interested in hearing how you plan to spend Valentine’s Day.”

The mayor leans back in his chair and smiles. “Well, that morning I plan to attend the breakfast over at Maggie’s Diner for the kids and their parents. She’s doing her annual fundraiser for to raise money for the American Heart Association.”

Scoop is taking notes. “I heard about that. February is heart health month. Maggie raised a lot of money last year.”

The mayor nods. “She sure did. You’re never too young to learn about ways to prevent heart disease.”

“That’s a good point,” says Scoop, making a note of that. “What are you doing for Mrs. Fibbs?”

Mayor Fibbs gets up and paces back and forth. “This is always tough. I like to surprise her. She loves jewelry. So, for your readers, just say I’m doing something she’ll never expect.”

Scoop smiles. “Mayor, are you asking me to fib to my readers?”

The mayor sighs loudly. “Oh, just because my name is Fibbs. Do you think I’ve never heard that joke before? You won’t be lying to report that. I am having a special heart charm made for her charm bracelet. It’ll be a one-of-a-kind.”

“OK. That’s seriously cool. Is someone in town making it for you?” asks Scoop.

The mayor shakes his head. “No, I went to a jeweler over in River City so she wouldn’t find out.”

Scoop closes his reporter’s pad. “Is it OK if I write that you are doing someone “charming” for your wife this Valentine’s Day?”

The mayor chuckles. “That’s pretty good. Sure, I guess that will be all right.”

Scoop packs up his stuff.

“Where are you going next?” asks Fibbs.

Scoop stands up. “The Community Center. I hear Director Rita Mallena is doing an after-school craft session. The kids are making Valentine’s Day cards.”

The mayor considers that for a moment. “Good idea. Can’t wait to read your article. Thanks for coming by, Scoop.”
“Thank you for your time, Mayor Fibbs.”

Before going outside, Scoop zips up his winter jacket, puts on his gloves and pulls his cap down over his ears. It’s a short walk to the community center but the wind makes it feel colder than normal.

RITA MALLENA AND THE SHADY PINES COMMUNITY CENTER

“Hi Ms. Mallena,” says Scoop. He sees the director walking down the hallway of the community center.

Rita Mallena is carrying a stack of thick, white paper. “Oh, hi, Scoop. You’re just in time. The children from the elementary school are here. Follow me.”

They enter a large room with long tables and small chairs. Around 30 boys and girls are laughing and talking. Ten adults are there to supervise and help with the activity.

“All right everyone, let’s settle down,” says Ms. Mallena. “Children, this is Scoop. He’s with The Shady Pines Gazette newspaper and he’s doing a story about Valentine’s Day. Can you say, hi?”

Altogether the children say, “Hi, Scoop.” The red-haired reporter waves at them. “Hi, you guys.”

“Before we start making our cards,” says Rita, what words do you think of when I say Valentine’s Day?”
Hands go up all around the room.

“Love.”

“Flowers.”

“Candy.”

“Hearts.”

Rita smiles. “Those are all good answers. Valentine’s Day is a time when we let the people who are important to us know how much we love and care about them, right?”

The kids call out, “Right!”

“In just a minute, we’re going to get started making our cards,” says Rita. “I want you to think about who is getting your card and what they mean to you. It could be your parents, your grandparents, a friend, or a teacher.”

A boy in the back raises his hand.

“Yes, Jimmy. Do you have a question?’ asks Rita.

“Can I make it for my dog?”

The girls around him giggle.

Rita smile. “Of course, you can make a Valentine for your pet. They’re family, aren’t they?”

Jimmy nods, yes.

And, with that, the adults hand out the paper and coloring markers. A big heart is already drawn on one side, so when they fold the paper, it becomes a card. The children decorate the heart on the outside and add their message inside.

“While the kids are busy, Scoop has a chance to talk to Rita and the adult volunteers. He gets all sorts of answers to his question, “What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?”

KIDS AND ADULTS PREPARE FOR THIS SPECIAL DAY

“We’re all so busy, it’s nice to take this one day and stop to consider what your loved ones mean to you, and actually take the time to let them know,” says one of the mothers.

Another woman said, “My husband likes to play tennis. So, this year, I bought us tickets to go to the big tennis tournament up north in June. I know he is going to love it. Plus, this gives us something to look forward to.”

Here’s what one of the men had to say. “My wife does so much for me and our two kids. Last year, I took care of the kids all day and made dinner with all her favorite foods. That’s one of the best Valentine’s Days we ever had. Not sure how I’m going to top that this year!”

Scoop listens, takes notes, and snaps photos of the Valentine’s Day cards the kids are making. He is impressed. He never realized the care people put into what they do for others on the day that celebrates love.

Rita approaches him. “Did you get what you needed for your article?”

“I think I do,” says Scoop as he scans his notes. “Thank you so much for you help.”

Breaking NewsBack at his desk in the newspaper office, Scoop puts the finishing touches on his story. He includes the mayor’s comments, the fundraiser at Maggie’s Diner and the fun the children had making their very own handmade cards for their loved ones.

The last line of Scoop’s story sums everything up: Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to express kindness, caring and love to those in your life you cherish. It’s important to take the time to do that. It’s also another reminder why this special day is the way people try to live their lives everyday in the small Southern town of Shady Pines.

 

*** TO GET YOUR VERY OWN VALENTINE’S DAY ACTIVITY PACKET FROM SHADY PINES CLICK HERE

The Shady Pines Holiday Gift Bag

The Shady Pines Holiday Gift Bag

by | Nov 26, 2018 | Breaking News

Hi Everyone,

Scoop, the Cub Reporter, with breaking news just for you from The Shady Pines Gazette office.

We just got word that the Shady Pines Story Town annual Holiday Gift Bag is ready for delivery. Starting tomorrow, Tuesday November 27th and every Friday until Christmas, another offering will be available to you. The best part is the contents are all FREE! You’ll just download them. Go HERE

I have to tell you, the good folks of our small Southern town have been hustling around trying to decide what to send to you. After all, we are the place where civility lives. Mostly we’re we’re known for our stories filled with positive themes. But, that’s not all we have to offer.

So, this year, with each new reveal, you’ll get a couple of items. They could include a story, a coloring download, a recipe, or, a fun family craft project. You’ll also learn the history behind five of our favorite holiday traditions. For instance, do you know when we started using artificial Christmas trees, or putting tinsel on those trees? And, who came up with the idea for candy canes?

The holidays are in full swing and we want to make the season even brighter for you and your family.

Go HERE to sign up for the Holiday Gift Bag so you don’t miss out on all the fun!

-Scoop out!