Favorite Five Stories from 2022
/Selecting five favorite stories from 2022 is akin to the proverbial dilemma of picking a favorite child. Each story has its merits and is deserving in its own way. Meaning of course, that any list has a distinctly arbitrary quality about it.
Still, there are stories that stick in our memory and elicit special feelings when we look back at 52 weeks of Flat Rock Together. Here are five of our most popular stories from a year full of great personalities, amazing accomplishments, fascinating history, and heart-warming stories which make Flat Rock the fascinating place it is to live.
The Photograph
Holding the camera steady and peering down through the viewfinder, the photographer asked the couple to smile. Paul turned to face Simone, reached across to take her arm, and beamed at the radiant young woman nestled at his side. Simone returned his gaze - her bright eyes and smile acknowledging the truth in their hearts.
Peter pressed the shutter release … and time stood still.
102 Years of a Living History
As I read Fredrica’s obituary, I felt an immediate and unexpected sense of loss. I had known the basics of her chronology and genealogy, but I knew almost nothing about the breadth and depth of her 102 years in this world. With her passing, the world lost more than a soul, the world lost a direct link to the fullness - both good and bad - of our collective past. Her family’s amazing story here…
70 Years Lost
The story begins with an unusual request received at Flat Rock Together from an amateur metal detectorist living in North Carolina. Rebekah wrote. “A fellow metal detectorist acquaintance of mine found a class ring from 1943. Based on the engraved initials and history he believes it may have belonged to someone who lived in Flat Rock. Maybe you can bridge the gap in locating him or a family member.”
Behind the Scenes
Reading the playbill for West Side Story at Friday night’s opening, I glance over a listing of the men and women who are the beating heart and soul of Flat Rock Playhouse. They are uniformly talented and dedicated to their craft. Together, they have built the iconic musical from the ground up. And, with few exceptions, they are virtually unknown by the audiences they so routinely thrill, amaze, make laugh, and move to tears.
Born with a Paintbrush in Her Hand
Emerging from this melding of low-country and mountain life experiences was an unbounded creative spirit and “make do” attitude that imbue virtually every moment of Marty Whaley’s days. “I often say that I was born with a paintbrush in one hand,” says Marty. “And in the other hand, I had a needle and thread, scissors, clay, seeds, water and dirt.”
OK. So picking five favorites is impossible … and a disservice to all the other great stories of 2022.
Others too good not to mention:
Connie Backlund: Keeping the Barn Doors Open. One of the last conversations Connie had with her father brought me to tears. Reminding me how privileged I am to sit down and hear people’s stories.
Moonshine in the Mountains. Missy Schenck shares another glimpse into the history of our community.
From Kyiv to Flat Rock. A story from the front pages of newspapers around the world. The story of perseverance met by inspiring generosity. Here in Flat Rock.
From Mondamin to Munich. The Olympian who got his start on the waters of Lake Summit. And returned to Flat Rock to share his story decades later.
