Welcome to September's issue!
This month’s cover story is a powerful one that addresses the serious public health issue of suicide but also brings a message of hope.
George Eshleman of Calhoun gained the nickname “The Keeper” in 2016, when he hiked the Appalachian Trail while carrying the name tapes of U.S. military veterans who had died by suicide. He, too, found himself in a dark place but, in a moment of clarity during his hike, mustered the strength to move forward.
Eshleman’s story is chronicled in the movie “The Keeper,” which was released in theaters in May. Today he honors his fallen comrades and raises awareness through speaking engagements and ongoing work to help those living with depression, anxiety and PTSD. Read more about his journey on page 16.
Do you know what you’d need to have or do if a disaster strikes, such as an ice storm, tornado or tropical storm like Debby, which caused flooding and storm damage last month? September is National Preparedness Month, and it’s a good time to assess your plans and put together a Ready Kit for your family.
Getting stranded on Interstate 285 for more than 20 hours in 2014 during “Snowmageddon” inspired me to put together my own Ready Kit for my car.
Turn to “Navigating the elements” on page 24 to learn how weather forecasters keep an eye on Mother Nature and emergency-management teams spring into action when disasters occur.
Many of us pass by those historical signs along roadsides every day, but have you slowed down or stopped to read one?
In the last 25 years, the Georgia Historical Society has erected more than 300 new signs, and the organization also maintains the more than 2,200 historical markers around the state. For more about this program, turn to “Signs of the times,” beginning on page 20.
I hope you enjoy these and the other stories in this month’s issue.
Take care,
Jennifer J. Hewett
Editor
