BY ANGELA GARY
“May the Good Lord be with you down every road you roam.
And may sunshine and happiness surround you when you are far from home.
In my heart, you will always stay forever young. Forever young. Forever young.”
As Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young” played, the class of 2020 marched into the East Jackson Comprehensive High School auditorium to take another step toward leaving their childhood behind.
There might have been a tear or two as my nephew, Jake, and his fellow junior classmates received their class ring.
The class ring ceremony was a nice occasion to mark this next step in their lives.
The class ring ceremony made us all think about next year when our “babies” will be graduating from high school. I’m sure the teenagers are ready for this milestone but most of the adults are not ready for it.
“When you finally fly away, I’ll be hoping I served you well. But whatever road you choose, I’m right behind you, win or lose. Forever young. Forever young. Forever young.”
That is our wish for all of these teenagers who we have watched grow up from their days in Pre-K at East Jackson Elementary School to those years at the middle school and now as they are juniors in high school.
Field trips to pumpkin farms in elementary school, the chorus trip to Orlando in middle school, the high school students taking the stage at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City to sing. These are just a few of the memories that the students and the adults in their lives will always cherish.
With the new freedoms of driving on their own and having a job, our teenagers may feel grown up. But to the adults who love them, they really will be “forever young.”
I still think of Jake and these friends he has had for so long as “babies.”
Camren, who has been his buddy from the very start.
Grace, his very good friend who he went to his first school dance with.
Avery, Leah, Katie, Reed and Bradley who have been present for all of the special events over these years.
These are just a few of the friends who we have watched grow up over the years.
They are all special to Jake and all of us and we are treasuring these last few special occasions they are celebrating together before they head off to the next chapter in their lives.
“May good fortune be with you. May your guiding light be strong. In my heart you will remain forever young. Forever young. Forever young.”
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers. She can be reached at angie@mainstreetnews.com.
Features
What a blessing
BY ANGELA GARY
I’ve interviewed hundreds, probably even thousands, of people during my 33 years in the newspaper business.
While they are all special to me, some I remember more than others. My interview with the Rev. Carlton Peters will definitely go on that list of conversations I will never forget.
As I drove to his house in Commerce, I thought about all of the connections I have to him. His wife, Shirley Peters, was one of my all-time favorite teachers. She read books to us with such passion that it quickly instilled a passion for reading in me.
As young kids, we cried along with her as she read about “Ole Yeller” and smiled as she shared the story of “Charlotte’s Web.” She prayed before we headed to lunch and had a beautiful singing voice.
I also have connections to Rogers Baptist Church, where the Rev. Peters has been the pastor for 35 years. It is the church where my mother attended as a child and I have heard many stories about it over the years.
It is the church where my grandparents are buried and I go there several times each year to change out the flowers on their graves.
The Rev. Peters is also the man who prayed with my father and led him through the prayer of salvation. This makes him a very special man to my family.
I had all of these memories going through my mind as I pulled into the driveway of his home. I was looking forward to the interview but it turned out to be even more special than I had thought.
The Rev. Peters has an amazing memory. So much better than my memory. He remembers in great detail events during his 89 years.
He quoted scripture from throughout the Bible as we talked. I was quickly jotting down the passages he shared and, when I later looked them up, they were all exactly as he shared.
He has obviosly spent much time studying the Bible and he’s not finished. He continues to read and study the Bible and says he is still learning something new from the scriptures.
After I put my pen and notebook away, the Rev. Peters continued to share his life lessons with me. Be thankful for whatever comes in your life, the good and the bad. Do not speak evil of others. You will have to answer for this.
I shared a bit of my life with the Rev. Peters, including my work as a mentor at an evening school. As I gathered my things to leave, the Rev. Peters asked if we could pray. I took his hand and held it as he said the most beautiful prayer, including prayers for those students I mentor and for my family.
What a blessing. I really do love what I do and getting to share the stories of people like the Rev. Peters.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers. She can be reached at angie@mainstreetnews.com
I’ve interviewed hundreds, probably even thousands, of people during my 33 years in the newspaper business.
While they are all special to me, some I remember more than others. My interview with the Rev. Carlton Peters will definitely go on that list of conversations I will never forget.
As I drove to his house in Commerce, I thought about all of the connections I have to him. His wife, Shirley Peters, was one of my all-time favorite teachers. She read books to us with such passion that it quickly instilled a passion for reading in me.
As young kids, we cried along with her as she read about “Ole Yeller” and smiled as she shared the story of “Charlotte’s Web.” She prayed before we headed to lunch and had a beautiful singing voice.
I also have connections to Rogers Baptist Church, where the Rev. Peters has been the pastor for 35 years. It is the church where my mother attended as a child and I have heard many stories about it over the years.
It is the church where my grandparents are buried and I go there several times each year to change out the flowers on their graves.
The Rev. Peters is also the man who prayed with my father and led him through the prayer of salvation. This makes him a very special man to my family.
I had all of these memories going through my mind as I pulled into the driveway of his home. I was looking forward to the interview but it turned out to be even more special than I had thought.
The Rev. Peters has an amazing memory. So much better than my memory. He remembers in great detail events during his 89 years.
He quoted scripture from throughout the Bible as we talked. I was quickly jotting down the passages he shared and, when I later looked them up, they were all exactly as he shared.
He has obviosly spent much time studying the Bible and he’s not finished. He continues to read and study the Bible and says he is still learning something new from the scriptures.
After I put my pen and notebook away, the Rev. Peters continued to share his life lessons with me. Be thankful for whatever comes in your life, the good and the bad. Do not speak evil of others. You will have to answer for this.
I shared a bit of my life with the Rev. Peters, including my work as a mentor at an evening school. As I gathered my things to leave, the Rev. Peters asked if we could pray. I took his hand and held it as he said the most beautiful prayer, including prayers for those students I mentor and for my family.
What a blessing. I really do love what I do and getting to share the stories of people like the Rev. Peters.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers. She can be reached at angie@mainstreetnews.com
My how times have changed
BY ANGELA GARY
When my mother was a young girl, she picked cotton all day long on many days.
She still remembers her excitement when she saved up $1.99 to buy a pair of pajamas.
It was her first pair of store-bought pajamas and she was so proud to wear them.
I wonder if children of today appreciate a pair of pajamas like Mama did.
I know I can’t even imagine picking cotton under the hot summer sun to make money to buy pajamas.
My mother also remembers her father leading her and her sisters down the road as they walked to church.
They didn’t have a car and Papa didn’t drive anyway. He still made certain his girls got to church every week.
I wonder if parents make such an effort today to get their children to church each week.
I also can’t imagine getting up Sunday morning and walking to church. The church I attend is only a few miles from my home and I could walk there. It’s not something I’ve ever done though.
Mom had six sisters. Her mother never worked outside of the home. Her dad was a sharecropper. Times may be hard now but probably not as hard as they were back then.
My grandparents grew most all of the food that the girls ate. The family all joined together to shell peas. My grandmother made their clothes. The younger girls wore the hand-me-downs from the older girls. The saved their flower sacks and made quilts.
Times have certainly changed so much over the past few decades. I hope that I never stop appreciating the life that I have and I am thankful for the stories my mother shares about those days when times were harder.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
When my mother was a young girl, she picked cotton all day long on many days.
She still remembers her excitement when she saved up $1.99 to buy a pair of pajamas.
It was her first pair of store-bought pajamas and she was so proud to wear them.
I wonder if children of today appreciate a pair of pajamas like Mama did.
I know I can’t even imagine picking cotton under the hot summer sun to make money to buy pajamas.
My mother also remembers her father leading her and her sisters down the road as they walked to church.
They didn’t have a car and Papa didn’t drive anyway. He still made certain his girls got to church every week.
I wonder if parents make such an effort today to get their children to church each week.
I also can’t imagine getting up Sunday morning and walking to church. The church I attend is only a few miles from my home and I could walk there. It’s not something I’ve ever done though.
Mom had six sisters. Her mother never worked outside of the home. Her dad was a sharecropper. Times may be hard now but probably not as hard as they were back then.
My grandparents grew most all of the food that the girls ate. The family all joined together to shell peas. My grandmother made their clothes. The younger girls wore the hand-me-downs from the older girls. The saved their flower sacks and made quilts.
Times have certainly changed so much over the past few decades. I hope that I never stop appreciating the life that I have and I am thankful for the stories my mother shares about those days when times were harder.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
What I love about fall
BY ANGELA GARY
Most folks can quickly tell you what their favorite season of the year is.
Not me, I have something to love about every season.
The possibility of snow and the magical time of Christmas that comes in the winter.
The fresh flowers and gardens that are blooming in the spring.
Vacations and school our for my nephews that comes with summer.
And then comes fall. So many things I love about fall time, including:
•Halloween is one of my favorite things about the fall. I have always loved a costume. Velma from Scooby Doo, Cruella D’Ville from 100 Dalmations, Cat in the Hat from Dr. Seuss and Winnie the Pooh from Disney are just a few of my favorite costumes over the years. In recent years, I’ve also enjoyed coming up with a theme for myself and my nephews.
•the arrival of fall means cooler weather and I love getting out my scarves, boots, leggings and sweaters.
•what about the food of the fall. I love homemade vegetable soup, chicken mull and chili.
•the fall for our family is a time of birthday celebrations. First up, we have my Dad’s birthday on Oct. 14, then my nephew, Grayson, has a birthday on Oct. 29. A few weeks later, on Nov. 12, my nephew Jake will be celebrating his birthday. It’s always fun planning the family birthday dinners and celebrations.
•the colors of fall are simply beautiful. The changing of leaves to gold and orange is beautiful.
•going to an apple orchard. I love apples year-round but there is nothing like going to an orchard to get apples in the fall. It’s fun to take a hay ride at Mercier Orchards and pick your own apples.
•going to a pumpkin patch and picking out the best pumpkin you can find. Then, going home and carving a funny or scary face in it and sitting it on the front porch. It’s also fun to get several of the tiny pumpkins and let everyone in the family decorate one.
•new television shows launching in the fall. This year, I’m excited about “Murphy Brown.” It’s interesting to see shows from the 1980s coming back in a new format.
•the excitement about college football. I don’t get into the actual game but I enjoy keeping up with the Georgia Bulldogs. I haven’t been to a game since I was a student, but I still want to know how the team is doing each season.
•and just to name a few more: Flannel sheets, a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate, fall produce from the farmers market, pumpkin flavored everything, fairs and fall festivals.
It’s a great time of year, so enjoy all that is brings with your family and friends. I know that I will.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
Most folks can quickly tell you what their favorite season of the year is.
Not me, I have something to love about every season.
The possibility of snow and the magical time of Christmas that comes in the winter.
The fresh flowers and gardens that are blooming in the spring.
Vacations and school our for my nephews that comes with summer.
And then comes fall. So many things I love about fall time, including:
•Halloween is one of my favorite things about the fall. I have always loved a costume. Velma from Scooby Doo, Cruella D’Ville from 100 Dalmations, Cat in the Hat from Dr. Seuss and Winnie the Pooh from Disney are just a few of my favorite costumes over the years. In recent years, I’ve also enjoyed coming up with a theme for myself and my nephews.
•the arrival of fall means cooler weather and I love getting out my scarves, boots, leggings and sweaters.
•what about the food of the fall. I love homemade vegetable soup, chicken mull and chili.
•the fall for our family is a time of birthday celebrations. First up, we have my Dad’s birthday on Oct. 14, then my nephew, Grayson, has a birthday on Oct. 29. A few weeks later, on Nov. 12, my nephew Jake will be celebrating his birthday. It’s always fun planning the family birthday dinners and celebrations.
•the colors of fall are simply beautiful. The changing of leaves to gold and orange is beautiful.
•going to an apple orchard. I love apples year-round but there is nothing like going to an orchard to get apples in the fall. It’s fun to take a hay ride at Mercier Orchards and pick your own apples.
•going to a pumpkin patch and picking out the best pumpkin you can find. Then, going home and carving a funny or scary face in it and sitting it on the front porch. It’s also fun to get several of the tiny pumpkins and let everyone in the family decorate one.
•new television shows launching in the fall. This year, I’m excited about “Murphy Brown.” It’s interesting to see shows from the 1980s coming back in a new format.
•the excitement about college football. I don’t get into the actual game but I enjoy keeping up with the Georgia Bulldogs. I haven’t been to a game since I was a student, but I still want to know how the team is doing each season.
•and just to name a few more: Flannel sheets, a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate, fall produce from the farmers market, pumpkin flavored everything, fairs and fall festivals.
It’s a great time of year, so enjoy all that is brings with your family and friends. I know that I will.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
What I love about fall
BY ANGELA GARY
Most folks can quickly tell you what their favorite season of the year is.
Not me, I have something to love about every season.
The possibility of snow and the magical time of Christmas that comes in the winter.
The fresh flowers and gardens that are blooming in the spring.
Vacations and school our for my nephews that comes with summer.
And then comes fall. So many things I love about fall time, including:
•Halloween is one of my favorite things about the fall. I have always loved a costume. Velma from Scooby Doo, Cruella D’Ville from 100 Dalmations, Cat in the Hat from Dr. Seuss and Winnie the Pooh from Disney are just a few of my favorite costumes over the years. In recent years, I’ve also enjoyed coming up with a theme for myself and my nephews.
•the arrival of fall means cooler weather and I love getting out my scarves, boots, leggings and sweaters.
•what about the food of the fall. I love homemade vegetable soup, chicken mull and chili.
•the fall for our family is a time of birthday celebrations. First up, we have my Dad’s birthday on Oct. 14, then my nephew, Grayson, has a birthday on Oct. 29. A few weeks later, on Nov. 12, my nephew Jake will be celebrating his birthday. It’s always fun planning the family birthday dinners and celebrations.
•the colors of fall are simply beautiful. The changing of leaves to gold and orange is beautiful.
•going to an apple orchard. I love apples year-round but there is nothing like going to an orchard to get apples in the fall. It’s fun to take a hay ride at Mercier Orchards and pick your own apples.
•going to a pumpkin patch and picking out the best pumpkin you can find. Then, going home and carving a funny or scary face in it and sitting it on the front porch. It’s also fun to get several of the tiny pumpkins and let everyone in the family decorate one.
•new television shows launching in the fall. This year, I’m excited about “Murphy Brown.” It’s interesting to see shows from the 1980s coming back in a new format.
•the excitement about college football. I don’t get into the actual game but I enjoy keeping up with the Georgia Bulldogs. I haven’t been to a game since I was a student, but I still want to know how the team is doing each season.
•and just to name a few more: Flannel sheets, a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate, fall produce from the farmers market, pumpkin flavored everything, fairs and fall festivals.
It’s a great time of year, so enjoy all that is brings with your family and friends. I know that I will.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
Most folks can quickly tell you what their favorite season of the year is.
Not me, I have something to love about every season.
The possibility of snow and the magical time of Christmas that comes in the winter.
The fresh flowers and gardens that are blooming in the spring.
Vacations and school our for my nephews that comes with summer.
And then comes fall. So many things I love about fall time, including:
•Halloween is one of my favorite things about the fall. I have always loved a costume. Velma from Scooby Doo, Cruella D’Ville from 100 Dalmations, Cat in the Hat from Dr. Seuss and Winnie the Pooh from Disney are just a few of my favorite costumes over the years. In recent years, I’ve also enjoyed coming up with a theme for myself and my nephews.
•the arrival of fall means cooler weather and I love getting out my scarves, boots, leggings and sweaters.
•what about the food of the fall. I love homemade vegetable soup, chicken mull and chili.
•the fall for our family is a time of birthday celebrations. First up, we have my Dad’s birthday on Oct. 14, then my nephew, Grayson, has a birthday on Oct. 29. A few weeks later, on Nov. 12, my nephew Jake will be celebrating his birthday. It’s always fun planning the family birthday dinners and celebrations.
•the colors of fall are simply beautiful. The changing of leaves to gold and orange is beautiful.
•going to an apple orchard. I love apples year-round but there is nothing like going to an orchard to get apples in the fall. It’s fun to take a hay ride at Mercier Orchards and pick your own apples.
•going to a pumpkin patch and picking out the best pumpkin you can find. Then, going home and carving a funny or scary face in it and sitting it on the front porch. It’s also fun to get several of the tiny pumpkins and let everyone in the family decorate one.
•new television shows launching in the fall. This year, I’m excited about “Murphy Brown.” It’s interesting to see shows from the 1980s coming back in a new format.
•the excitement about college football. I don’t get into the actual game but I enjoy keeping up with the Georgia Bulldogs. I haven’t been to a game since I was a student, but I still want to know how the team is doing each season.
•and just to name a few more: Flannel sheets, a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate, fall produce from the farmers market, pumpkin flavored everything, fairs and fall festivals.
It’s a great time of year, so enjoy all that is brings with your family and friends. I know that I will.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
Seasons of life
BY ANGELA GARY
“ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”
These verses from Ecclesiastes are ones that I have read over and over many times throughout my life.
The verses are ones that I go to in times of happiness and in times of sadness.
We all go through seasons in our life that are wonderful but we also have those seasons that bring pain and sorrow.
I have many friends who are going through seasons right now that are tough and seem to never end. It seems as if relief is not in sight.
I certainly understand these feelings but it is such a blessing to know that better seasons will come.
To those friends who are dealing with cancer and other serious medical concerns, to those who are having family conflict and to those with career and financial burdens, I understand and am praying for you.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for someone who is hurting is to love them without words and be present for someone.
You don’t have to “fix” their problems or give them an answer.
All you have to do is be there and listen and offer your love and prayers.
It’s OK to be silent and just listen. It’s OK to just offer a hug and a shoulder for someone to lean on.
No matter how successful and happy life is, there will be lows.
No matter how dark it gets, there will be bright spots.
Peaks and valleys are all part of life.
Everything in nature, including people, experiences seasons.
Accepting this helps us to put everything that happens into perspective.
Nothing is permanent, and knowing that sweet moments are precious and that bad ones will pass leads to a healthy outlook and an enriching experience.
Enjoy, learn and grow while accepting the seasons of your life.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
“ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”
These verses from Ecclesiastes are ones that I have read over and over many times throughout my life.
The verses are ones that I go to in times of happiness and in times of sadness.
We all go through seasons in our life that are wonderful but we also have those seasons that bring pain and sorrow.
I have many friends who are going through seasons right now that are tough and seem to never end. It seems as if relief is not in sight.
I certainly understand these feelings but it is such a blessing to know that better seasons will come.
To those friends who are dealing with cancer and other serious medical concerns, to those who are having family conflict and to those with career and financial burdens, I understand and am praying for you.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for someone who is hurting is to love them without words and be present for someone.
You don’t have to “fix” their problems or give them an answer.
All you have to do is be there and listen and offer your love and prayers.
It’s OK to be silent and just listen. It’s OK to just offer a hug and a shoulder for someone to lean on.
No matter how successful and happy life is, there will be lows.
No matter how dark it gets, there will be bright spots.
Peaks and valleys are all part of life.
Everything in nature, including people, experiences seasons.
Accepting this helps us to put everything that happens into perspective.
Nothing is permanent, and knowing that sweet moments are precious and that bad ones will pass leads to a healthy outlook and an enriching experience.
Enjoy, learn and grow while accepting the seasons of your life.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
What I love about fall
BY ANGELA GARY
Most folks can quickly tell you what their favorite season of the year is.
Not me, I have something to love about every season.
The possibility of snow and the magical time of Christmas that comes in the winter.
The fresh flowers and gardens that are blooming in the spring.
Vacations and school our for my nephews that comes with summer.
And then comes fall. So many things I love about fall time, including:
•Halloween is one of my favorite things about the fall. I have always loved a costume. Velma from Scooby Doo, Cruella D’Ville from 100 Dalmations, Cat in the Hat from Dr. Seuss and Winnie the Pooh from Disney are just a few of my favorite costumes over the years. In recent years, I’ve also enjoyed coming up with a theme for myself and my nephews.
•the arrival of fall means cooler weather and I love getting out my scarves, boots, leggings and sweaters.
•what about the food of the fall. I love homemade vegetable soup, chicken mull and chili.
•the fall for our family is a time of birthday celebrations. First up, we have my Dad’s birthday on Oct. 14, then my nephew, Grayson, has a birthday on Oct. 29. A few weeks later, on Nov. 12, my nephew Jake will be celebrating his birthday. It’s always fun planning the family birthday dinners and celebrations.
•the colors of fall are simply beautiful. The changing of leaves to gold and orange is beautiful.
•going to an apple orchard. I love apples year-round but there is nothing like going to an orchard to get apples in the fall. It’s fun to take a hay ride at Mercier Orchards and pick your own apples.
•going to a pumpkin patch and picking out the best pumpkin you can find. Then, going home and carving a funny or scary face in it and sitting it on the front porch. It’s also fun to get several of the tiny pumpkins and let everyone in the family decorate one.
•new television shows launching in the fall. This year, I’m excited about “Murphy Brown.” It’s interesting to see shows from the 1980s coming back in a new format.
•the excitement about college football. I don’t get into the actual game but I enjoy keeping up with the Georgia Bulldogs. I haven’t been to a game since I was a student, but I still want to know how the team is doing each season.
•and just to name a few more: Flannel sheets, a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate, fall produce from the farmers market, pumpkin flavored everything, fairs and fall festivals.
It’s a great time of year, so enjoy all that is brings with your family and friends. I know that I will.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
Most folks can quickly tell you what their favorite season of the year is.
Not me, I have something to love about every season.
The possibility of snow and the magical time of Christmas that comes in the winter.
The fresh flowers and gardens that are blooming in the spring.
Vacations and school our for my nephews that comes with summer.
And then comes fall. So many things I love about fall time, including:
•Halloween is one of my favorite things about the fall. I have always loved a costume. Velma from Scooby Doo, Cruella D’Ville from 100 Dalmations, Cat in the Hat from Dr. Seuss and Winnie the Pooh from Disney are just a few of my favorite costumes over the years. In recent years, I’ve also enjoyed coming up with a theme for myself and my nephews.
•the arrival of fall means cooler weather and I love getting out my scarves, boots, leggings and sweaters.
•what about the food of the fall. I love homemade vegetable soup, chicken mull and chili.
•the fall for our family is a time of birthday celebrations. First up, we have my Dad’s birthday on Oct. 14, then my nephew, Grayson, has a birthday on Oct. 29. A few weeks later, on Nov. 12, my nephew Jake will be celebrating his birthday. It’s always fun planning the family birthday dinners and celebrations.
•the colors of fall are simply beautiful. The changing of leaves to gold and orange is beautiful.
•going to an apple orchard. I love apples year-round but there is nothing like going to an orchard to get apples in the fall. It’s fun to take a hay ride at Mercier Orchards and pick your own apples.
•going to a pumpkin patch and picking out the best pumpkin you can find. Then, going home and carving a funny or scary face in it and sitting it on the front porch. It’s also fun to get several of the tiny pumpkins and let everyone in the family decorate one.
•new television shows launching in the fall. This year, I’m excited about “Murphy Brown.” It’s interesting to see shows from the 1980s coming back in a new format.
•the excitement about college football. I don’t get into the actual game but I enjoy keeping up with the Georgia Bulldogs. I haven’t been to a game since I was a student, but I still want to know how the team is doing each season.
•and just to name a few more: Flannel sheets, a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate, fall produce from the farmers market, pumpkin flavored everything, fairs and fall festivals.
It’s a great time of year, so enjoy all that is brings with your family and friends. I know that I will.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
Taking a chance
BY ANGELA GARY
I remember looking down at the ground from the biplane thinking, “This is how it all ends.”
I was traveling in Florida a few years ago when we stopped at an aviation museum. It’s always fun to stop at places you wouldn’t usually go and explore. We certainly did explore this one as I ended up going on a biplace ride.
We toured the museum and then wandered out on the grounds to look at the planes out there. We joined a group gathered around a biplane. A man was asking for volunteers to go for a ride. Three ladies quickly ran to the front. It seems they needed a fourth and no one was volunteering.
I don’t know what I was thinking but my arm was suddenly high in the air. I am scared of heights and still can’t figure out why I volunteered to take a ride in the biplane.
Just minutes after I raised my hand, I was putting on one of those hats like Snoopy wears in the cartoons. I crawled into the back seat in the biplane and, in just a few more minutes, we were in the air.
The ride was a lot longer than I thought it would be as we flew over fields and pastures and homes. Being out in the open was certainly a different experience for me. I was terrified and kept thinking we were going to crash at any moment. We didn’t and landed smoothly.
While I was scared while we were up in the air, I have never regretted going on the biplane ride. It’s something I likely wouldn’t do again but I will always have those memories.
Sometimes getting out of “your box” and taking a chance will lead to experiences that you will always treasure.
Another time I agreed to do something without really thinking it through, I ended up in a speed boat race in Chile. I don’t speak Spanish so I didn’t really understand what my hosts were asking me to do. I just smiled and nodded my head in agreement.
Shortly after being so agreeable, I found myself climbing into a speed boat that was quickly racing another boat across the lake.
I can’t swim. We didn’t have life jackets on and I was once again thinking that the end was near.
This is another one of those experiences that I will probably never have again but I will always remember and evne laugh about that time I was in South American and ended up in a speed boat race. And our boat actually won the race! What a thrill that was.
Most of my experieces usually end up happening when I’m on vacation with my friends. My family is always surprised at the adventures that I end up in while I’m on the road. My sister always points out that these things never happen on family vacations.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
I remember looking down at the ground from the biplane thinking, “This is how it all ends.”
I was traveling in Florida a few years ago when we stopped at an aviation museum. It’s always fun to stop at places you wouldn’t usually go and explore. We certainly did explore this one as I ended up going on a biplace ride.
We toured the museum and then wandered out on the grounds to look at the planes out there. We joined a group gathered around a biplane. A man was asking for volunteers to go for a ride. Three ladies quickly ran to the front. It seems they needed a fourth and no one was volunteering.
I don’t know what I was thinking but my arm was suddenly high in the air. I am scared of heights and still can’t figure out why I volunteered to take a ride in the biplane.
Just minutes after I raised my hand, I was putting on one of those hats like Snoopy wears in the cartoons. I crawled into the back seat in the biplane and, in just a few more minutes, we were in the air.
The ride was a lot longer than I thought it would be as we flew over fields and pastures and homes. Being out in the open was certainly a different experience for me. I was terrified and kept thinking we were going to crash at any moment. We didn’t and landed smoothly.
While I was scared while we were up in the air, I have never regretted going on the biplane ride. It’s something I likely wouldn’t do again but I will always have those memories.
Sometimes getting out of “your box” and taking a chance will lead to experiences that you will always treasure.
Another time I agreed to do something without really thinking it through, I ended up in a speed boat race in Chile. I don’t speak Spanish so I didn’t really understand what my hosts were asking me to do. I just smiled and nodded my head in agreement.
Shortly after being so agreeable, I found myself climbing into a speed boat that was quickly racing another boat across the lake.
I can’t swim. We didn’t have life jackets on and I was once again thinking that the end was near.
This is another one of those experiences that I will probably never have again but I will always remember and evne laugh about that time I was in South American and ended up in a speed boat race. And our boat actually won the race! What a thrill that was.
Most of my experieces usually end up happening when I’m on vacation with my friends. My family is always surprised at the adventures that I end up in while I’m on the road. My sister always points out that these things never happen on family vacations.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
The good side of social media
BY ANGELA GARY
It can cause family feuds, lead to problems in marriages and end long-time friendships.
Social media disputes are becoming more and more common and are usually listed every week in the incident reports filed at the local law enforcement offices.
The disputes can be pretty serious with devestating allegations being made. Unfortunately, some people believe if you read it “on the Internet,” it must be true.
Of course, that isn’t true as gossip and lies spread a lot faster than the facts will spread.
While social media can be an evil part of your society, like anything else, it all depends on how you use it.
As for me, I use it for good instead of evil. I think I’ve only listed two negative things and I didn’t name anyone. Just ranted about situations that disappointed me.
Most of the time, I’m posting photos of my precious family, especially my two nephews and the milestones in their lives.
I also love sharing a fun trip or delicious meal I want to share with my friends and family.
Or maybe I’m asking for prayers for myself or my loved ones or offering prayers to those who ask for them.
Just a few things I enjoy about social media include keeping up with family members who live both nearby and far, far away.
I can know immediately what my cousin, a missionary in Bulgaria, and his family are up to.
I can find out the latest success of my smart cousin, who is in college in New Mexico, or the latest adventures of our friends who live in Pigeon Forge.
I have many friends who live across the country and social media really is the best way to keep up with them.
I also feel blessed to be able to stop what I’m doing and pray for those who ask for prayer. Social media really is the fastest way to let those people you care about know about trying times and the need for prayer.
Just this past month, I’ve asked for prayer for my mother (who is recovering nicely from her recenet surgery) and for myself and the tension headaches I can’t seem to shake (thanks for all of the suggestions.
I’ve tried several and am going to try a few more). Ive also prayed for many, mamy people who have medical issues of their own, as well as other serious problems going on in in their lives.
So while social media can certainly be negative, I choose to look at the good it can bring. I hope you do as well so that we don’t have any more crime reports to cover that started with a social media post.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
It can cause family feuds, lead to problems in marriages and end long-time friendships.
Social media disputes are becoming more and more common and are usually listed every week in the incident reports filed at the local law enforcement offices.
The disputes can be pretty serious with devestating allegations being made. Unfortunately, some people believe if you read it “on the Internet,” it must be true.
Of course, that isn’t true as gossip and lies spread a lot faster than the facts will spread.
While social media can be an evil part of your society, like anything else, it all depends on how you use it.
As for me, I use it for good instead of evil. I think I’ve only listed two negative things and I didn’t name anyone. Just ranted about situations that disappointed me.
Most of the time, I’m posting photos of my precious family, especially my two nephews and the milestones in their lives.
I also love sharing a fun trip or delicious meal I want to share with my friends and family.
Or maybe I’m asking for prayers for myself or my loved ones or offering prayers to those who ask for them.
Just a few things I enjoy about social media include keeping up with family members who live both nearby and far, far away.
I can know immediately what my cousin, a missionary in Bulgaria, and his family are up to.
I can find out the latest success of my smart cousin, who is in college in New Mexico, or the latest adventures of our friends who live in Pigeon Forge.
I have many friends who live across the country and social media really is the best way to keep up with them.
I also feel blessed to be able to stop what I’m doing and pray for those who ask for prayer. Social media really is the fastest way to let those people you care about know about trying times and the need for prayer.
Just this past month, I’ve asked for prayer for my mother (who is recovering nicely from her recenet surgery) and for myself and the tension headaches I can’t seem to shake (thanks for all of the suggestions.
I’ve tried several and am going to try a few more). Ive also prayed for many, mamy people who have medical issues of their own, as well as other serious problems going on in in their lives.
So while social media can certainly be negative, I choose to look at the good it can bring. I hope you do as well so that we don’t have any more crime reports to cover that started with a social media post.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angie@mainstreetnews.com.
Clothes bring back memories
BY ANGELA GARY
A small green dress with white polka-dots on it and a row of small flowers around each sleeve and the waist. A black windbreaker with a couple dancing in white on the back. A white lacey top with black gaucho-style pants with a two red lines across the bottom of each leg. A black and white dress with a flower design. The tiny black dress with a red “B” on it.
These are just a few of the pieces of clothing I uncovered when I recently cleaned out a closet in the extra bedroom in our home. As I pulled each piece of clothing from the closet, I was immediately overcome with memories of the time I wore the clothing, even though it had been more than 40 years since for some of the clothes. For some reason, I have held on to them over the years as I’ve cleaned out the closet. They always make the “keep” pile as I try to get rid of stuff. I guess it’s because of the memories they bring back.
The small green dress with white polka-dots on it and the row of flowers on the sleeves and waist was the dress I wore when I was a flower girl in a family friend’s wedding. I was 5 or 6 years old and didn’t like being all dressed up and having to walk down the aisle holding the ring bearer’s hand. In all of the photos, I have an angry look on my face.
The black windbreaker with the couple dancing on the back of it also has “Nicholson Cloggers” on it. A few other items I found in the closet were dresses I wore as a clogger. A green dress with a blue vest, a coral colored dress with small flowers on it and a red and white striped dress are just a few I still have. I have so many memories of clogging with my friends. We were regulars at the Daisy Festival and traveled to Helen, Stone Mountain and other places throughout North Georgia to perform. We marched and clogged through Commerce and Jefferson in the annual Christmas parades. And, of course, I still remember how to clog today. It’s not something you forget.
The white lacey top with black gaucho-style plants is my first color guard outfit. I was in the first marching band that Jackson County Comprehensive High School ever had, which was in the early 1980s. I also have my color guard jacket with the JC letter on it.
The black and white dress with a flower design on it was the dress I wore when I graduated from the University of Georgia. I also have a pale pink dress with flowers on it that I wore from the Journalism School graduation at UGA. Both special days and I’m glad I have the dresses to remind me of those times.
The tiny black dress with a “B” on it is from my days cheering for the Benton Bulldogs when I was in elementary school.
In these days when we get rid of so much stuff, I’m glad that I held on to these pieces of my past. The clothes don’t fit any more. And they wouldn’t mean anything to anyone but me. But they don’t take up too much room in the closet and it’s nice to occasionally pull them out and remember some of the best days of my childhood and early adulthood.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at AngieEditor@aol.com.
A small green dress with white polka-dots on it and a row of small flowers around each sleeve and the waist. A black windbreaker with a couple dancing in white on the back. A white lacey top with black gaucho-style pants with a two red lines across the bottom of each leg. A black and white dress with a flower design. The tiny black dress with a red “B” on it.
These are just a few of the pieces of clothing I uncovered when I recently cleaned out a closet in the extra bedroom in our home. As I pulled each piece of clothing from the closet, I was immediately overcome with memories of the time I wore the clothing, even though it had been more than 40 years since for some of the clothes. For some reason, I have held on to them over the years as I’ve cleaned out the closet. They always make the “keep” pile as I try to get rid of stuff. I guess it’s because of the memories they bring back.
The small green dress with white polka-dots on it and the row of flowers on the sleeves and waist was the dress I wore when I was a flower girl in a family friend’s wedding. I was 5 or 6 years old and didn’t like being all dressed up and having to walk down the aisle holding the ring bearer’s hand. In all of the photos, I have an angry look on my face.
The black windbreaker with the couple dancing on the back of it also has “Nicholson Cloggers” on it. A few other items I found in the closet were dresses I wore as a clogger. A green dress with a blue vest, a coral colored dress with small flowers on it and a red and white striped dress are just a few I still have. I have so many memories of clogging with my friends. We were regulars at the Daisy Festival and traveled to Helen, Stone Mountain and other places throughout North Georgia to perform. We marched and clogged through Commerce and Jefferson in the annual Christmas parades. And, of course, I still remember how to clog today. It’s not something you forget.
The white lacey top with black gaucho-style plants is my first color guard outfit. I was in the first marching band that Jackson County Comprehensive High School ever had, which was in the early 1980s. I also have my color guard jacket with the JC letter on it.
The black and white dress with a flower design on it was the dress I wore when I graduated from the University of Georgia. I also have a pale pink dress with flowers on it that I wore from the Journalism School graduation at UGA. Both special days and I’m glad I have the dresses to remind me of those times.
The tiny black dress with a “B” on it is from my days cheering for the Benton Bulldogs when I was in elementary school.
In these days when we get rid of so much stuff, I’m glad that I held on to these pieces of my past. The clothes don’t fit any more. And they wouldn’t mean anything to anyone but me. But they don’t take up too much room in the closet and it’s nice to occasionally pull them out and remember some of the best days of my childhood and early adulthood.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at AngieEditor@aol.com.
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