BY ANGELA GARY
I was so sorry to hear of the death of Mike Rector, who wrote a column for The Jackson Herald for many years.
He was so proud to be writing a column for the newspaper. He spent a lot of time putting his “ramblings,” as he called his writing, together each week.
It was always a very long column with his thoughts on politics and local events, sprinkled with humerous anticdotes.
He appreciated receiving input on his columns, whether it was positive or negative.
When a political column hit a nerve with some local readers, we were flooded with letters from people who disagreed with Mike.
He didn’t mind people disagreeing with him. He just didn’t want this to mean the end to his column. It didn’t and he continued to write.
Mike also did the work on the Banks County News office. When I first saw the building, I thought it was beyond repair. He brought it back to life to house the newspaper office and newspaper museum.
Mike rescued me two times over the years we worked together. One time I had locked myself inside the Banks County News office.
I’m not sure how I did that but I couldn’t get out. I called the main office and they sent Mike over. He had the door open in just a few minutes.
Another time I left a meeting carrying my camera, purse and notebook. I got all of this in the car only to realize I was in the wrong white Ford Taurus.
Mike saw me in the parking lot and came over to help me quickly get all of my stuff out and into the correct car.
Mike always had a kind word and smile for me. When I was going through a difficult time, he had words of encouragement.
Several times in the past year, a few of us in the news room went out for lunch with Mike. He enjoyed keeping up with what was going on at the newspaper and in our lives.
Mike had friends across Jackson County. Just mention his name and you are likely to get a smile and a story about him.
Mike’s last column in this newspaper was in the Oct. 3 issue. He wasn’t able to actually type it out because of his health but asked his daughter to type it as he dictated what he wanted to stay. His column was important to him and he wanted to get a message out.
Mike will be missed by his readers and all of us at the newspaper office. It won’t be the same without his smiling face going through the office, greeting us all with a kind word.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at angie@mainstreetnews.com.
Features
Head to Thoroughbred Country for history and culture
BY ANGELA GARY
When you think of South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country, horse races, steeplechase and polo likely come to mind. While Aiken, S.C., and the surrounding area offer plenty of horsing events, you will find so much more. On a recent visit, we were so impressed with the history and culture found in the area, as well as the wonderful restaurants and shopping that we included in our long weekend visit.
While in Aiken, we stayed at the historic, and elegant, Willcox Hotel, located at 100 Colleton Avenue SW, which is within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants. While we found so many fun things to do in Aiken, I believe it’s worth going to the town just to stay at the Willcox Hotel. It really is that wonderful.
The historic hotel has been operated as an inn since 1900. The Willcox became known in those early days for its atmosphere, top-notch service and amazing architecture and design. Those are among the reasons visitors continue to come to the Willcox. The wonderful food is another reason visitors and locals go to the Willcox. We enjoyed dinner one evening at the Willcox, where the meals are made with locally-sourced items.
To get yourself familiar with Aiken, start your trip with Marty Bailey who operates Tailored Tours of Aiken. She picked us up at the hotel and took us on a driving tour to many historic and beautiful parts of the town. The tour included the horse district, downtown area and churches.
We learned about the summer homes of the Astors and Vanderbilts on “Millionaires Row” and the story about how comedian Minnie Pearl bought her first straw hat and dress that became an integral part of her routine when she was in Aiken. We also learned about the eccentric first owner of the Hope Diamond who wore the huge gem as a necklace and sometimes put it on her dog’s collar.
We also learned about the horse district, which includes Whitney Polo Field, the oldest continuously used outdoor polo filed in the country. Polo has been played in the area since 1882.
Aiken has a thriving downtown with lots of shopping and restaurants to choose from. We enjoyed dinner one evening at Malia’s Restaurant, located in the historic downtown.
We spent one day exploring the Thoroughbred Country communities of Barnwell, Denmark and Blackville.
In Barnwell, we shopped at the Little Red Barn Pottery & Art Gallery owned by Elizabeth Ringus, known for her “face vessels.” You will find lots of local artwork and pottery in the shop where 35 artists are represented.
In Denmark, we stopped at the Jim Harrison Gallery, which offers original work and prints. Harrison got his start painting those iconic Coca Cola signs on buildings across the south, later using the Coca Cola signs in his artwork.
In Blackville, we had a wonderful lunch at Miller’s Bread Basket, which is a family- owned restaurant offering Amish-Mennonite style food. Make sure you save room for desert. We enjoyed the most amazing pies, including pineapple and shoo fly.
We also made a stop in Blackville at the Healing Springs, where Native Americans believed in the springs’ natural healing powers. Of course, we all drank some of the water with hopes it would help with our ailments. We saw several local people filling up jugs with the water. In 1944, Lute Boylston deeded the one-acre tract where the springs are located to God.
For our last night in Thoroughbred Country, we moved over to North Augusta, with the highlights being a night in the historic Rosemary Inn Bed & Breakfast, a tour of the Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site and a visit to Colonial Times: A Day to Remember at the Living History Park. We also had dinner at Manuel’s Bread Café at Hammond’s Ferry, South Carolina’s river front.
Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site has been named one of the “Top Ten Sites to Visit in South Carolina.” It provides a look at antebellum life in the area. The home was built in 1859 with James Henry Hammond and his family living there.
The Living History Park, is located at 299 West Spring Grove Avenue in North Augusta, and offers special events where demonstrations and living exhibits are presented. The Colonial Times celebration featured pottery, weaving and spinning, quilting, candle-making, blacksmithing and other demonstrations, as well as a Colonial dance at the barn.
Rosemary Inn Bed & Breakfast, located at 804 Carolina Avenue, North Augusta, is a delightful place to stay with beautifully furnished rooms, charming hosts and a delicious breakfast offered. Kelly and Diana Combs were so attentive to our needs.
To start planning your trip to Thoroughbred Country, check out the website, www.tbredcountry.org.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angieeditor@aol.com.
When you think of South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country, horse races, steeplechase and polo likely come to mind. While Aiken, S.C., and the surrounding area offer plenty of horsing events, you will find so much more. On a recent visit, we were so impressed with the history and culture found in the area, as well as the wonderful restaurants and shopping that we included in our long weekend visit.
While in Aiken, we stayed at the historic, and elegant, Willcox Hotel, located at 100 Colleton Avenue SW, which is within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants. While we found so many fun things to do in Aiken, I believe it’s worth going to the town just to stay at the Willcox Hotel. It really is that wonderful.
The historic hotel has been operated as an inn since 1900. The Willcox became known in those early days for its atmosphere, top-notch service and amazing architecture and design. Those are among the reasons visitors continue to come to the Willcox. The wonderful food is another reason visitors and locals go to the Willcox. We enjoyed dinner one evening at the Willcox, where the meals are made with locally-sourced items.
To get yourself familiar with Aiken, start your trip with Marty Bailey who operates Tailored Tours of Aiken. She picked us up at the hotel and took us on a driving tour to many historic and beautiful parts of the town. The tour included the horse district, downtown area and churches.
We learned about the summer homes of the Astors and Vanderbilts on “Millionaires Row” and the story about how comedian Minnie Pearl bought her first straw hat and dress that became an integral part of her routine when she was in Aiken. We also learned about the eccentric first owner of the Hope Diamond who wore the huge gem as a necklace and sometimes put it on her dog’s collar.
We also learned about the horse district, which includes Whitney Polo Field, the oldest continuously used outdoor polo filed in the country. Polo has been played in the area since 1882.
Aiken has a thriving downtown with lots of shopping and restaurants to choose from. We enjoyed dinner one evening at Malia’s Restaurant, located in the historic downtown.
We spent one day exploring the Thoroughbred Country communities of Barnwell, Denmark and Blackville.
In Barnwell, we shopped at the Little Red Barn Pottery & Art Gallery owned by Elizabeth Ringus, known for her “face vessels.” You will find lots of local artwork and pottery in the shop where 35 artists are represented.
In Denmark, we stopped at the Jim Harrison Gallery, which offers original work and prints. Harrison got his start painting those iconic Coca Cola signs on buildings across the south, later using the Coca Cola signs in his artwork.
In Blackville, we had a wonderful lunch at Miller’s Bread Basket, which is a family- owned restaurant offering Amish-Mennonite style food. Make sure you save room for desert. We enjoyed the most amazing pies, including pineapple and shoo fly.
We also made a stop in Blackville at the Healing Springs, where Native Americans believed in the springs’ natural healing powers. Of course, we all drank some of the water with hopes it would help with our ailments. We saw several local people filling up jugs with the water. In 1944, Lute Boylston deeded the one-acre tract where the springs are located to God.
For our last night in Thoroughbred Country, we moved over to North Augusta, with the highlights being a night in the historic Rosemary Inn Bed & Breakfast, a tour of the Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site and a visit to Colonial Times: A Day to Remember at the Living History Park. We also had dinner at Manuel’s Bread Café at Hammond’s Ferry, South Carolina’s river front.
Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site has been named one of the “Top Ten Sites to Visit in South Carolina.” It provides a look at antebellum life in the area. The home was built in 1859 with James Henry Hammond and his family living there.
The Living History Park, is located at 299 West Spring Grove Avenue in North Augusta, and offers special events where demonstrations and living exhibits are presented. The Colonial Times celebration featured pottery, weaving and spinning, quilting, candle-making, blacksmithing and other demonstrations, as well as a Colonial dance at the barn.
Rosemary Inn Bed & Breakfast, located at 804 Carolina Avenue, North Augusta, is a delightful place to stay with beautifully furnished rooms, charming hosts and a delicious breakfast offered. Kelly and Diana Combs were so attentive to our needs.
To start planning your trip to Thoroughbred Country, check out the website, www.tbredcountry.org.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at Angieeditor@aol.com.
Dancing with a cowboy in Luckenbach
BY ANGELA GARY
I was leaving the dance hall in Luckenback, Texas, when I grabbed a cowboy for a photo and a quick dance. I didn’t know the cowboy and am usually pretty shy.
I just grabbed him and asked him to pose for a photo. How could I miss the opportunity for a photo with a cowboy in Luckenbach, Texas! I was sure that dancing with a cowboy in Luckenback, Texas, would be a memory I would never forget. This happened seven years ago, so I was right in that it created a memory I would never forget.
I also got on the dance floor and clogged during our night in Luckenbach. This is also something I wouldn’t normally do but decided it was another one of those once-in-a-lifetime things.
Every Georgia lady of a certain age knows how to clog. I didn’t realize that until I was at the dance hall at Luckenbach and someone asked me if I wanted to clog. I was a bit puzzled and asked how she knew I clogged. The lady smiled and told me every lady who grew up in Georgia in the 1980s knows how to clog.
I’m not sure if that’s true or not but I do know how to clog. So, that’s how I ended up clogging at the dance hall at Luckenbach, Texas, the small town made famous in that song Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings sang in the 1970s. I was in nearby Fredericksburg, Texas, with friends and when we found out Luckenbach was just 13 miles away, we had to check it out.
I grew up hearing the song by Willie and Waylon but I didn’t realize that Luckenbach is a real place. The night we arrived, the house band was actually singing the Waylon/Willie song. It was so surreal to be walking up to the famous dance hall as that song was playing.
Luckenbach is tiny and actually has a kind of ghost town feel to it. One of the main buildings houses what was once a post office, saloon and general store.
Today, the building houses a souvenir shop where you can get T-shirts, magnets and other items with the town’s motto, “Everybody’s somebody in Luckenbach, Texas.”
As for Fredericksburg, it is a charming Southern town filled with German culture with a Texas twist that is a fun place to visit. Located a one-hour drive from San Antonio, Fredericksburg, is in the heart of Texas Hill Country with its scenic beauty and rolling countryside.
Fredericksburg is rich with the culture of the Germans who settled in the area and formed the town 160 years ago. The food, crafts, architecture, music and history of Germany is found throughout the town and is one of the reasons visitors keep returning to explore the area.
We enjoyed exploring the downtown area where there are more than 150 specialty shops and boutiques. Artwork, fashion, jewelry, antiques, home décor and more are to be found. The unique and individual shops are not the same kind of shops you find in malls across the country. Instead, you will find one-of-a-kind treasures. There are also 14 art galleries in the downtown historic district.
I was leaving the dance hall in Luckenback, Texas, when I grabbed a cowboy for a photo and a quick dance. I didn’t know the cowboy and am usually pretty shy.
I just grabbed him and asked him to pose for a photo. How could I miss the opportunity for a photo with a cowboy in Luckenbach, Texas! I was sure that dancing with a cowboy in Luckenback, Texas, would be a memory I would never forget. This happened seven years ago, so I was right in that it created a memory I would never forget.
I also got on the dance floor and clogged during our night in Luckenbach. This is also something I wouldn’t normally do but decided it was another one of those once-in-a-lifetime things.
Every Georgia lady of a certain age knows how to clog. I didn’t realize that until I was at the dance hall at Luckenbach and someone asked me if I wanted to clog. I was a bit puzzled and asked how she knew I clogged. The lady smiled and told me every lady who grew up in Georgia in the 1980s knows how to clog.
I’m not sure if that’s true or not but I do know how to clog. So, that’s how I ended up clogging at the dance hall at Luckenbach, Texas, the small town made famous in that song Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings sang in the 1970s. I was in nearby Fredericksburg, Texas, with friends and when we found out Luckenbach was just 13 miles away, we had to check it out.
I grew up hearing the song by Willie and Waylon but I didn’t realize that Luckenbach is a real place. The night we arrived, the house band was actually singing the Waylon/Willie song. It was so surreal to be walking up to the famous dance hall as that song was playing.
Luckenbach is tiny and actually has a kind of ghost town feel to it. One of the main buildings houses what was once a post office, saloon and general store.
Today, the building houses a souvenir shop where you can get T-shirts, magnets and other items with the town’s motto, “Everybody’s somebody in Luckenbach, Texas.”
As for Fredericksburg, it is a charming Southern town filled with German culture with a Texas twist that is a fun place to visit. Located a one-hour drive from San Antonio, Fredericksburg, is in the heart of Texas Hill Country with its scenic beauty and rolling countryside.
Fredericksburg is rich with the culture of the Germans who settled in the area and formed the town 160 years ago. The food, crafts, architecture, music and history of Germany is found throughout the town and is one of the reasons visitors keep returning to explore the area.
We enjoyed exploring the downtown area where there are more than 150 specialty shops and boutiques. Artwork, fashion, jewelry, antiques, home décor and more are to be found. The unique and individual shops are not the same kind of shops you find in malls across the country. Instead, you will find one-of-a-kind treasures. There are also 14 art galleries in the downtown historic district.
Forever young
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.
“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.
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.
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