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Pathfinder of the Month
"Do not go where the path may lead,go instead where there is no path and
leave a trail."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Everyday
Angels
Dear
Everyday Angels:
I
have experienced some of the most troubling times of my life these past
few years. If it could happen, it did! I was feeling like a victim when
my husband experienced the dreaded "mid-life crisis" and he walked out
the door leaving me scrambling to find a job and raise my children. After
a year of exhausting my family's resources and emotional energy, I was
embarrassed and had no pride left. Everyday Angels called me on my worst
day to ask questions to see what I needed. You did not even know me. You
helped pay my car note to keep them from repossessing it that month and
I could not believe it. I was touched by your response when I asked why
you would walk into a stranger's life and help them? You said it was not
you or your organization but it was simply God living through you and
that I would be alright.
Since
that day, I have truly believed that I would be okay and looking back,
I know that God sent the people and resources into my life to help me
make it and I have! I know that there will always be tough times ahead
but along with helping me keep my transportation, Everyday Angels taught
me a very important lesson in life. With renewed faith, I try to make
a difference in the life of others as you all have to me.
Thank
you for all that you did for others and me. If there is anything I can
do to assist your wonderful organization, I will.
-
Debbie
As
Everyday Angels begins its third year, we would like to thank Gina Carr
and The TowneLaker magazine as well as our readers for their support
and encouragement. It is all about changing lives and helping others through
difficult times and we could not make a difference without all the support!
For
September, we will assist a young couple that recently purchased their
first home in anticipation of bringing home their first child. All did
not go as smoothly as planned when the baby arrived three months early
and has had numerous surgeries and remains hospitalized today. The mother
has had to limit her work hours and the 20% (co-pay) of their hospital
bills has overwhelmed them to the point that they are not sure if they
will still have a house for the baby to come home to. We will assist them
with our maximum contribution and encourage our readers to as well. We
will pray for the strength and health of their daughter so that she may
come home soon.
Everyday Angels is a non-profit organization
that provides short-term funding (currently up to a maximum of $425 per
month) to those in our community in need. If you know someone in need
or would like to contribute, please call (770) 517-8210 ext. 580.
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Dick Wallsinger
For
those who love music and playing an instrument, the passion starts early.
Youth grants us the time to pursue those passions, but once the responsibilities
of adulthood mount, those who love playing often find little time to do
so. When life grants us the time, often at retirement age, the passion
may still be there, but the problem becomes where to find an appropriate
and accepting outlet. Dick Wallsinger found himself in this situation.
He loved to play the baritone saxophone, and this love inspired him to
form the Cherokee County New Horizon's Band. His dedication to creating
this band, comprised of primarily senior band members, makes him September's
Pathfinder of the Month.
Dick
was nominated by Terry Kerns, whose wife plays in the New Horizon's Band.
"There are so many people who would love a reason to dig out their old
instrument and play it again, especially with others who are doing the
same, and that's what New Horizon's Band is all about," said Terry.
New
Horizon's Bands are national and international bands geared for those
50 and older. The program provides, especially for seniors, an opportunity
to pick up a hobby that was left behind years ago. There are no auditions
and all levels of expertise are welcome. He got involved by simply meeting
someone at a party. "I was talking to a woman who told me about this band,
New Horizon's, that met in Roswell, and my interest was immediately piqued,"
Dick said. He joined the Roswell New Horizon's Band, which has been in
existence since 1998. The enjoyment he and others received from this group
prompted him to start a Cherokee County charter of the band. "There was
nothing like this in Cherokee County, and I knew there had to be others
like me," he said. The band currently has 12 members and are looking to
expand their membership.
Dick
said the best part of being in this band is the people he plays with and
the people he plays for. "We play senior centers, retirement and assisted
living centers and churches. To see the joy in the audiences' faces is
the main reason a lot of us do this," he stated. Dick is still a member
of the Roswell New Horizon's Band, and they recently played at the Mableton
Amphitheatre to an audience of more than 700 people.
Dick
lives in Waleska with his wife, Martha. He also enjoys golf, reading and
woodworking. His legacy will hopefully live on in his 10 year-old grandson,
who joins him every Sunday for dinner and to play the trumpet with his
grandpa.
Thank
you, Dick, for making our community a better place to live.
For
more information on The New Horizon's Band, visit www.newhorizonsband.com
or call Dick at (770) 479-4917.
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