Leader Call - Correspondent/Lacey Walters

Lacey Walters is an employee with the Laurel School District and freelance reporter/photographer for the Laurel Leader-Call. She also carries major duties for Oak Street magazine, and is actively involved in many community organizations. If she's not working for money, she's working for free. Lacey received a journalism degree with an emphasis in public relations from William Carey College.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn, N.Y. (5:30 p.m.) – Exiting the train into Penn Station was an experience. It has been several years since I have been in a large bustling city. I was quickly reminded that I am truly a small town girl. When we walked out of the station at street level, it took my breath away. The sites, sounds and experiences of that first few moments were exhilarating. However, it was not as exciting as the taxi cab ride at rush hour to Brooklyn. I am sure there are several pedestrians who are glad the driver was nice enough to hit his breaks. Swerving in and out of traffic lanes, cutting people off, running red lights and ignoring pedestrian cross walks made me a little nervous. But, nonetheless, we are at the hotel safe and sound. In a couple of hours we are meeting up with a woman, originally from Ellisville, Ms., who now lives in Brooklyn and works as a journalist.

June 05, 2008 05:47 pm

On the way to New York

Baltimore (12:50 p.m.) - It has been a whirlwind trip. We are currently camping out at a picnic table near the Amtrak Station in Baltimore. Our train arrives at 1:30 p.m., and it is currently 12:51 p.m. I am excited about the New York leg of the trip, but I am sad about leaving Laurel, Md. I have traveled all over the world, and have seen many sites, but there is something special about Laurel, Md. The people are fabulous, and so hospitable. We never once were concerned about where to go next, or how to get there. They gave wonderful directions and even gave us a ride on occasion. Meeting the people that gave so much of their time and money to Laurel, Miss. following Hurricane Katrina was the best part. On so many occasions I had tears in my eyes as I heard their reasons for desiring to help the recovery process. They still hold a deep concern for South Mississippi, and some are working to bring groups to the Gulf Coast. Walking Main Street in Laurel, Md. was my favorite activity. With downtown revitalization the talk of Laurel, Miss., I wish that every member of Laurel Express could visit Laurel, Md. and see the Old Laurel area of Laurel, Md. Their historic district is the perfect mix of residential areas and locally owned shops. Many houses still line Main Street, mixed in with all of the restaurants and shops. Many areas just behind Main Street are apartment complexes with access directly to Main Street. Birds playing in the grass, squirrels finding food and residents walking the sidewalks are all along Main Street. It’s a special place with a unique atmosphere. But, off Route One and in other areas outside of the historic district are national chains such as Olive Garden, Best Buy, Red Lobster, PetSmart, Staples, Ross and a plethora of fast-food chains. With the historic district, commercial and residential areas and being a short distance from Baltimore and Washington D.C., Laurel, Md. has a little of it all. Big city, small city, it has it all. The Mountain Laurel was in full bloom in Laurel, Md. The unique pink and sometimes white flower is the namesake of Laurel, Miss and Laurel, Md. (I just got asked to leave the picnic table, because apparently that is for employees only…oops…my bad.)

June 05, 2008 05:22 pm

Day one - deep fried delight

June 3, 2008, 11:07 p.m. – It’s been a day! There has been so much excitement. The people of Laurel, Md. are so sweet spirited. Their open arms and open hearts have been such a blessing since our plane landed this afternoon. – Random thoughts: I always assumed that folks in the south had attempted to deep-fry every possible food. I was wrong. I have never had, until today, deep-fried cheesecake, and it was delectable. The historic district in Laurel, Md. is what I hope for Laurel, Miss. Main Street is lined with shops of all sorts, each with its own unique purpose, people walking the streets enjoying the afternoon and an ambiance that is extraordinary. And, now, the rains fall.

June 03, 2008 10:18 pm

Day one - take off

June 3, 2008, 8:58 a.m. - We made it safely to the Jackson, Miss. International Airport. I don’t remember much of the trip, because I fell asleep. It was a short night with few hours of sleep. With so much going on with my full-time job, it was difficult to find time to plan, pack and even get excited about the trip. But, now that I sit near the gate, and can see other airplanes taking off, I am excited. It has been three years since my last adventure that required airline tickets, and that was a trip to Romania or Russia, I can’t remember which was the last. I am excited about this trip. I am excited about a vacation, and I am excited about seeing Laurel, Md. It is awesome to know that during the chaos following the days after Hurricane Katrina made her way across the South, people not touched by the winds and rain were thinking of us. Laurel, Md. came to the aid of Laurel, Miss. in a variety of ways, but the items and money donated did not and do not matter as much as their thoughtfulness and concerned spirit. It is excited to see two municipalities come together and commit to a partnership that brings hope and inspiration in times of need. During the 2007 high school football season, Laurel High School (Maryland) raised money during their Homecoming festivities to donate to Laurel High School (Laurel). Our first measure of business today is to meet the LHS principal and present a gift from our LHS – a framed photo with autographs of the 2007 4A state championship football team. I look forward to meeting the people and seeing the places. Takeoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. We should arrive in Baltimore, Md. by 1 p.m. Until the next adventure!

June 03, 2008 09:10 am

Brooklyn

On the way to New York

Day one - deep fried delight

Day one - take off

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