Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1527947
12 maconmagazine.com | October/November 2024 A s we went to press, we were experiencing both the hushed relief that major weather effects of Hurricane Helene mostly bypassed Central Georgia and the screeching devastation of her path elsewhere, throughout the Southeast and especially in my home state, North Carolina . We ache for our neighbors and must do what we can to help. We've noted some ways you can help on our social media platforms. W hether it's a natural disaster; diff icult diagnosis; experiencing hatred, harm, neglect; or grieving loss, what brings you through? It's communit y that brings us to the next moment , hour, day. Our various communities are nothing without our people. It's not magic, but the results can be magical in effect . We get out what we put in. The Macon Way. Our 39th President Jimmy Carter recently hit a milestone 100th birthday. In his own true form, I hear he was only tr ying to make it to October 1st so he could vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. For over 35 years after his time in off ice, President Carter worked with Habitat for Humanit y, an Americus, Georgia founded nonprof it organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. Regardless of politics, President Carter's exceedingly decent character should inspire our choices as we approach an historic election. W hen asked about the benef its of ser vice to strengthening and improving the communit y at large, President Carter said, A Habitat project in a deprived communit y inspires other propert y owners in the area to improve other homes and the general environment in the larger neighborhood. Dwellers there get the Habitat spirit of volunteering and helping each other. The Habitat homeowner's family members participate in work on their own homes and are then inspired to help others. W hat a metaphor for communit y. Macon is like that home building in the way we help, participate, improve, and become inspired to do more work. You'll read a number of our stories in these pages and ways you can engage (and one about our Macon Area Habitat for Humanit y in the next issue). Another important milestone happened as we turned the dirt in Rosa Parks Square in September. Renovations have begun and will include a memorial wall, more trees, a stage, picnic tables, and seating. I am joyful. W hatever your journey, the road to this point hasn't all been magical, but the results are worth it when we work together. A special thanks to Julia for your efforts to complete this issue. Editor's letter | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024 Editor, Susannah C. Maddux @susannahcmaddux Magic in our movements for community BELOW With a favorite dance partner, Managing Editor Julia Morrison. The exuberance was palpable at the groundreaking for Rosa Parks Square. I was also shaking out the fire ants in my pants. It seemed to parallel the work for the park and life, lately: Worth the sting. And if you are lucky, you may find the way to dance through it with our community. We want to know your story. Join the conversation @maconmagazine or email us hello@maconmagazine.com.