In Hayesville, the town leaders invest in its youth and younger children see spending time with their elders as a privilege.
“Adults invest time in the young people,” says Jacqueline Gottlieb, who moved to Hayesville six years ago, and whose son and daughter attend the local school.
“My daughter signed up for track and field and a fellow from church came over to teach her how to throw shot and disc,” she says. “Then my son signed up for football for the first time, and the same man asked to help him as well.”
Gottlieb’s son also takes part in a weekly boy’s breakfast and junior firefighter program, where firefighters train the boys to use tools and equipment.
“It’s about spending time and relationships,” she says. “People make time for others here.”
Hattie Sheehy, whose husband the angel prayed for, spends her Fridays reading to second, third, and fourth graders at the local elementary school, where she’s formed friendships with the children. They like her so much so that they regularly write her thank-you cards and send her socks. (She’s known for wearing crazy socks on Fridays.)
“I’ve lived in many states, towns large and small, but I consider Hayesville the finest example of the Golden Rule,” says Sheehy. “These attributes could save the world, if only we’d let them.”
“I’ve lived in many states, towns large and small, but I consider Hayesville the finest example of the Golden Rule.”
Hayesville is a top-10 finalist in our Nicest Place in America contest. Check out all the finalists and their inspiring stories here.