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“The best time
to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The next best time to plant a tree
is today.”
This is a quotation from the book, “Where Roots
Grow Deep,” by Bob Welch. The book encourages reconnection with
families. It defines legacies as the place where those who have gone
before still make a difference. Where values are passed on from one
generation to the next, a place “Where Roots Grow Deep.” When you have
finished the book, it makes you want to touch the world and change the
way we will be remembered in it.
The beginning quotation reminds me that Calhoun County
is a family. We are remembering the Civil War, not 20 years ago, but
150. A legacy we can leave for our descendants is to plant a tree of
friendship and peace (finally) in our county. It saddens me to hear, “We
can never work together . . . we are still fighting the Civil War.”
Think about it. We are known for our hospitality.
Retirees are looking for a place like this. Most of us love our
neighbors, and in times of disaster, we work together. We do not hear
much about working together. It is a very small percentage that cannot
forget and forgive. They keep the waters troubled.
Today is the day we must come together as a family
and work to make Calhoun County a thriving place to live.
We are making progress. Younger people are taking
part in government. They are parents of young children. They care about
leaving a legacy for their children and grandchildren. Good things are
happening. Farmer’s markets are now on two sides of the county.
Playgrounds are being developed. Community parks are being improved. A
new building will replace the last outdated school. Churches are being
repaired. Schools have innovative curriculum.
Mt. Zion Public Service District is working
together to make a new start. The senior centers are developing new
programs.
We still have more to do to “grow our tree.”
Calhoun
County Park
has come a long way, but more representation is needed for its board and
committees. Festivals may be discontinued because of lack of focus on
the “growth of the tree.” I heard someone say just today, “The same
people end up doing everything.” There are still places that need
volunteers to say, “New ideas are needed. I can help!”
Let us realize that our ancestors worked hard
during troubled times to put
Calhoun
County on the map.
Let our legacy be to work together to make our
beloved county a place of friendship and peace, where roots grow deep.
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