Dear Readers, the echoes of laughter from the Shady Pines Fall Festival are still fresh, but the town is already buzzing with a brand-new kind of excitement.

As late September brings crisp morning breezes and brilliant shades of gold to the trees, the community has found a brand-new gathering spot for a weekend market with a big heart.

This weekend, the bright Harvest Moon will be in full view bringing light and energy to a new season.

Bringing the Community Together

Instead of heading back to Stonewall Park, everyone has set up shop right in the spacious parking lot between the Shady Pines Community Center and Shady Pines Elementary School. This location serves as a perfect spot where kids, teens, and adults can team up side-by-side.

No one is more excited about the new location than Rita Mallena, Director of the Community Center. Standing in the middle of the action with a clipboard and a warm smile, Rita directs the setup of booths and tables.

"Okay, everyone, " shouts Rita. "Let's make sure we leave space so we have room for each of you to set up between the community center and the school grounds."

Working hand-in-hand with Rita are the school's third grade kids, led by their teacher, Shirley Worthy. Her class is studying how to be a good member of a community. "So here's the deal," says Shirley. " Some people say being a good neighbor means looking out for one another. And that is called, Civic Responsibility. Shall we say that together class?"

The youngsters yell out in one big noisy voice, "CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY!"

Shirley claps her hands. "Well done! Now lets go and take what we've learned and turn it into action. Whaddaya say?"

"YESSSS!"

Before you could say, "Wait just a cotton pickin' minute," the once empty parking lot becomes a bustling hub of neighborhood projects:

Ms. Worthy's class sets up shop right outside their classroom doors. They'd been working on their booth for weeks with help from the Community Center volunteers. The kids and the adults work on projects together every Friday afternoon.

Civics In Action

The Third-Grade Tasty Fundraiser focuses on things you can eat, drink, or play with - sometimes all at once.

Shirley is right there with them test tasting one of the new drinks they invented just for this event.

"Oh wow," she says after taking her first sip. "This is very refreshing. What are you calling it?"

A young girl in an orange cable knit sweater points to the sign that reads: Chilled Apple-Cider Slushies with Cinnamon Stir Sticks. Right next to the drinks are Handmade Autumn Leaf-Shaped Chalk Sets and Outdoor Play-Wares like Frisbees, Kites, and Individual Saucer Swings to hang on a tree.

The money the kids raise will buy books and other supplies for their classroom.

Down the way a bit from the third graders is another booth raising money. This effort is a little different. These kids are learning how to make money by working for others.

The Value of Hard Work

The Teen "Rent-A-Kid" Chore Stand is getting a lot of action. The teenagers have set up a very popular sign-up booth for their "Rent-A-Kid" Chores program.

Instead of waiting for spring cleaning, neighbors can sign up for help with autumn tasks like raking leaves, mowing lawns, washing cars, or stacking firewood to get ready for the cooler months.

And what do the teenagers get? "I'm going to buy a bike," says Tom. "I need a way to get to my part time job at Fred's Corner Grocer."

"Oh yeah? Well..." muses Mary. "I think I'll save up to go to college. What about you Aaron?"

"I'm going to help get Mrs. Delany a walker," says Aaron. "I do chores for her but she's getting kinda feeble and I don't think a cane is enough anymore."

Another popular booth at the event is one that provides for folks with real and ever - increasing needs.

Every Little Bit Helps

The Community Food & Warm Clothing Drive is positioned right at the center of everything. Under Rita's watchful, caring eye, the giant donation station overflows with generosity. "How are we doing Mark?" asks Rita. A burly man with a grey beard and kind eyes smiles broadly.

"It's going better than I could have expected, Rita. Look at all this," he says as he gestures to all the donations. "And thank you for the sweaters."

"Happy to help," says Rita.

As they chat a bit more, neighbors continue to drop off non-perishable food items, gently used coats, and warm sweaters to make sure everyone in the community stays cozy as the temperature drops.

This Fall Re- Set event shows just how easy it is for everyone to pitch in and help one another. From the third graders learning valuable life lessons from their teacher to busy teenagers giving back, to dedicated community leaders like Rita, anyone can make a difference right in their own backyard.

As the Harvest Moon rises over the school and the community center, the productive and fun event is coming to a close.

Dear readers, something I think we all learned is that a Fall re-set is a wonderful opportunity to ask the kids in your life: "What is one way we can help a neighbor this week?"

That's what we'll be thinking about as we say goodbye for now from the small Southern town of Shady Pines.

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