We're in the middle of National Salvation Army Week, an annual observance that has recognized and celebrated supporters of The Salvation Army for more than 70 years.
“National Salvation Army Week is about recognizing the people who make our mission possible,” said Lt. Col. Randall Polsley, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. “Our volunteers and donors are the driving force behind every meal served, every family sheltered, and every life changed.”
National Salvation Army Week was established in 1954 when the United States Congress declared it and President Dwight Eisenhower proclaimed it, reminding Americans of the ongoing need to care for others. At that time, Eisenhower noted, “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood. Giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of us all.”
Observed this year from May 11–17, the week serves as an opportunity to thank the volunteers and donors who have helped make The Salvation Army one of the largest and most trusted social service organizations in the world.
While many recognize The Salvation Army for its Red Kettles and bell ringers during the holiday season, fewer are aware of its year-round impact. With 85 operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota and nearly 7,000 centers nationwide, The Salvation Army serves more than 27 million people each year through programs that provide food, financial assistance, addiction recovery, youth programming, emergency shelter, long-term housing, disaster relief, and more.
“Need doesn’t take a season, and neither does our work,” said Captain Josh Polanco, Twin Cities commander. “Behind every statistic is a neighbor—a family facing tough choices, a child who needs stability, or someone looking for a fresh start. That’s why we show up every day.”
This year’s observance carries added urgency as demand for services continues to rise due to increasing costs for food, gas, rent, and utilities. In the past year alone, nearly 20,000 volunteers across Minnesota and North Dakota—along with generous donors—helped The Salvation Army serve more than 387,000 people with essential support including food, shelter, youth services, and disaster response.
“We’re seeing more people reach out for help, often for the first time,” Polsley said. “That makes the commitment of our supporters more important than ever—and it’s also an invitation for others to get involved and make a difference.”
For more information about The Salvation Army or to volunteer, visit SalvationArmyNorth.org.
The Salvation Army Northern Division last year helped 387,000 people overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardship through a range of social services, meeting human needs without discrimination. This year, continued struggles caused by food shortages, inflation, increased energy costs and the threat of eviction have elevated the numbers of those seeking assistance.
By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army Northern Division is #DoingTheMostGood at 85 operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota. For more information about The Salvation Army Northern Division, please visit SalvationArmyNorth.org.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Money Matters: How Parents Can Stress Less by Planning Big Family Expenses Early
For busy parents managing family finances, the hardest bills are often the ones everyone saw coming. Big family expenses like childcare changes, school costs, travel to weddings, and car repairs can feel like “surprises” anyway because they land all at once, compete with everyday needs, and arrive during already full seasons. That tension creates financial stress for parents who are trying to be responsible without turning family life into a constant spreadsheet. With a clearer way to treat predictable costs as part of normal life, family budgeting challenges start to feel manageable.
How Family Financial Planning Works in Real Life
Family financial planning is a simple routine: list the big costs you can see coming, decide what matters most, and give those priorities a place in your budget. Done well, financial planning turns large expenses into scheduled decisions instead of last-minute scrambles.
It matters because stress often comes from timing, not the expense itself. When your budget reflects your priorities, you can handle school fees or a car repair without raiding essentials. Over time, you build financial wellness by staying in control month to month and still having room for surprises.
Think of it like packing for a trip. You check the calendar, choose what must come first, then pack on purpose. A “school costs” fund and a “car upkeep” fund keep the month from falling apart.
With priorities set, predictable monthly payments can make major costs easier to plan around.
Use Fixed-Rate Predictability to Fund a Planned Milestone
Once you’ve mapped out how planned expenses fit into your bigger family budget, predictable payments can be the difference between calm preparation and a last-minute scramble.
A cash-out refinance into a fixed-rate loan can be a practical way to access funds for a known milestone, while keeping your monthly payment predictable. Because the rate is fixed, payments stay stable over time, which makes it easier to budget ahead and avoid the stress of fluctuating costs. This structure also helps protect you from rising interest rates, so you’re not guessing what your payment might become later.
Fixed-rate loans tend to be straightforward: clear terms, consistent payment schedules, and the option to choose a loan length that better matches your financial goals. If you’re weighing what that could look like in practice, understanding the cost of 30 year mortgage options can help you compare long-term predictability against your upcoming expense.
Next, it helps to address the most common worries parents have about big costs so the planning feels emotionally manageable, not just mathematically possible.
Parents’ Questions About Big Family Expenses
Q: What’s a realistic amount to save for a big family expense?
A: Start with a minimum target of 10% to 20% of the total cost so you have options and fewer surprises. If cash flow is tight, aim for one month of the payment or a $500 to $1,000 buffer first. Then increase by a set amount each payday, even if it is small.
Q: How do we decide what to prioritize first when everything feels urgent?
A: Cover essentials that protect stability first: housing, insurance, food, transportation, and basic childcare. Next, prioritize expenses with firm deadlines like tuition deposits or medical costs. Everything else goes into a “later list” until the first two layers are funded.
Q: When should we start planning if the expense is a year or two away?
A: Start as soon as you can name the milestone and estimate a range of costs. Early planning helps reduce the feeling that you are handling it alone. Put a date on the first planning check-in and keep it short.
Q: How can we plan when income or costs might change?
A: Build three versions of the plan: “steady,” “tight,” and “best-case,” each with a monthly number. Keep the plan flexible by focusing on adjustable categories like dining out, subscriptions, and discretionary shopping. Review it monthly and treat updates as normal, not as a failure.
Q: Should we use savings, monthly payments, or financing for the big cost?
A: A balanced approach often works: use savings for the down payment or deposit, then choose a payment option that fits your comfort level. Before committing, compare the total cost, the monthly impact, and whether the payment stays consistent. If the terms feel confusing, ask for a plain-language breakdown in writing.
Calm money decisions come from clear priorities and a plan you can update without guilt.
A 7-Step Playbook to Save, Budget, and Talk It Through
When big expenses are on the horizon, stress usually comes from uncertainty: how much to save, what to prioritize first, and what happens if life changes. Use this simple playbook to turn “we should probably…” into a plan your family can actually follow.
Name the expense and pick a date: Choose one priority (braces, a used car, a laptop for school, a family trip) and assign a target month. A deadline turns vague worry into a schedule, and it helps you decide what to fund first when you can’t do everything at once. Keep it simple: one “next big thing” and one “later big thing.”
Break the total into weekly “micro-saves”: Divide the goal by the number of paychecks until your target month, then round up slightly to create a cushion. Automate that amount into a separate savings bucket the day after payday so you don’t have to rely on willpower. This gradual saving strategy works because it makes progress visible and reduces the temptation to “catch up later.”
Use a 3-bucket family budget (Needs / Goals / Flex): Start with what must be paid (Needs), then your savings goals (Goals), then everything else (Flex). If money is tight or uncertain, this structure makes tradeoffs clearer: you can protect Needs and Goals while adjusting Flex without redoing the whole budget. Review the buckets monthly so you can respond quickly when costs rise.
Add a small “spontaneous spending” line item: Build in a modest weekly or per-paycheck amount for school surprises, birthdays, and last-minute social plans so they don’t sabotage your larger goal. Many families find that dedicated spending money helps keep “where did it go?” moments from turning into arguments. Treat it like a pressure valve: when it’s used up, you pause or swap, not swipe.
Create a milestone map for major buying decisions: For each big purchase, write three checkpoints: Research date (compare options), Decision date (choose), and Purchase date (pay). Add two rules: a 24-hour wait for non-urgent buys over a set threshold (like $200), and a “total cost” note that includes accessories, fees, and maintenance. This prevents rushed choices and keeps expectations realistic.
Hold a 15-minute money huddle with scripts that lower the temperature: Put it on the calendar weekly or every other week. Use short phrases that focus on the problem, not the person: “What changed since last time?” “Which goal matters most this month?” “What are we saying no to so we can say yes to this?” End by writing down one decision and one next action so you don’t relitigate it later.
Time purchases and paperwork to your advantage: If you have flexibility, plan the buying window, not just the product, so you can line it up with cash flow, expected discounts, or tax considerations. Some families coordinate major acquisitions with their broader financial calendar. Even when taxes aren’t the driver, choosing the month in advance helps you avoid debt-fueled decisions.
A clear target, a realistic savings rhythm, and a repeatable way to talk about tradeoffs can replace constant second-guessing with steady progress your whole family can feel.
Plan Big Family Costs Early for Calm, Confident Decisions
Big family expenses rarely arrive one at a time, and it’s easy for surprises and mismatched expectations to turn into worry or conflict. The antidote is proactive financial preparation: treating major costs as predictable projects, setting realistic financial expectations, and keeping the conversation steady so decisions don’t happen in panic. When families plan this way, reducing financial stress becomes a byproduct of clearer priorities, fewer last‑minute tradeoffs, and stronger confidence in money management. Plan early, spend intentionally, and protect your peace. Choose one next money move this week: pick a single upcoming expense and give it a date, a target amount, and a home in the budget. That small step supports family financial wellbeing by building stability and resilience long before the bill is due.
Tech Tidbits - Social Media Driver's License
Ready Set Screen, a nonprofit providing expert-designed programs for parents and kids to build healthy digital habits, reduce screen-related stress, and foster independence in an increasingly online world, has announced The Social Media Driver’s License. Introduced today by Jennifer Berger, Founder and Executive Director of Ready Set Screen, this first-of-its-kind program uses proven media literacy principles to prepare children 10-14 for the adoption of smartphones and social media. A critical need in the face of the ongoing teen mental health crisis.
The American Psychological Association and U.S. Surgeon General have tied social media to an alarming and ongoing teen mental health crisis. According to Pew Research, two-thirds of parents feel overwhelmed by their child’s tech use and nearly 50% of teens say overuse of social media harms them or their friends. Concerned by this growing problem and drawing on her two decades of experience and expertise teaching media literacy to teens, Berger brings a singular point of view and real-world solution with the creation of The Social Media Driver’s License.
“The research is clear that the adoption of social media and smartphones is harming teens in a myriad of ways,” said Berger. “I know firsthand, from my years of experience teaching media literacy to teens, that helping kids develop the skills to understand and engage with the media they encounter as they adopt new technologies is critical to ending the ongoing teen mental health crisis.”
Built to be flexible and relatable, with teen hosts and parents sharing real-world experiences, The Social Media Driver’s License has two tracks – one for parents and one for the pre-smartphone child. This enables parents and their kids to learn and engage with each other as they forge a responsible and successful relationship with social media, texting, gaming, and other digital media.
“This is the first time someone has pulled together a comprehensive program covering so many critical topics in such a compelling way,” noted Michelle Ciulla Lipkin, former executive director of the National Association for Media Literacy Education. “I’m thrilled to see The Social Media Driver’s License come to life, and know from talking to parents around the country that this is filling an enormous gap for them as they grapple with their children’s adoption of smartphones and social media.”
Across ten video sessions, youth participants in The Social Media Driver’s License will learn how to analyze, understand, and react to common online situations using proven media literacy skills. Lessons include: the downsides of comparing yourself to others, knowing when to find mental health support, staying safe without being afraid, what to do when encountering strangers online, dealing with inappropriate content, handling texting-related conflict, developing healthy digital habits as a life skill, seeing through addictive design, resisting the power of advertising, and more.
A companion podcast series offers parents conversation starters for effective tech-related talks with kids and teens, methods for supporting maturing kids’ tech use instead of monitoring them, along with insights from other parents and experts on raising balanced and healthy teens in a digital age.
“Navigating social media is more complex than ever for youth and families. I’m excited to see Ready Set Screen deliver a hands-on, practical resource like The Social Media Driver’s License that parents and young people can use together to prepare them from the start to have safer, healthier experiences online,” said Vicki Harrison, Program Director, Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing at Stanford Medicine.
“While every family will have their own rules and restrictions around technology, the research is clear that developing safe, healthy habits that stay with them throughout their lives is key to protecting their overall mental health,” added Berger. “I’m proud to apply my years of experience in media literacy education to helping parents and teens do just that.”
The American Psychological Association and U.S. Surgeon General have tied social media to an alarming and ongoing teen mental health crisis. According to Pew Research, two-thirds of parents feel overwhelmed by their child’s tech use and nearly 50% of teens say overuse of social media harms them or their friends. Concerned by this growing problem and drawing on her two decades of experience and expertise teaching media literacy to teens, Berger brings a singular point of view and real-world solution with the creation of The Social Media Driver’s License.
“The research is clear that the adoption of social media and smartphones is harming teens in a myriad of ways,” said Berger. “I know firsthand, from my years of experience teaching media literacy to teens, that helping kids develop the skills to understand and engage with the media they encounter as they adopt new technologies is critical to ending the ongoing teen mental health crisis.”
Built to be flexible and relatable, with teen hosts and parents sharing real-world experiences, The Social Media Driver’s License has two tracks – one for parents and one for the pre-smartphone child. This enables parents and their kids to learn and engage with each other as they forge a responsible and successful relationship with social media, texting, gaming, and other digital media.
“This is the first time someone has pulled together a comprehensive program covering so many critical topics in such a compelling way,” noted Michelle Ciulla Lipkin, former executive director of the National Association for Media Literacy Education. “I’m thrilled to see The Social Media Driver’s License come to life, and know from talking to parents around the country that this is filling an enormous gap for them as they grapple with their children’s adoption of smartphones and social media.”
Across ten video sessions, youth participants in The Social Media Driver’s License will learn how to analyze, understand, and react to common online situations using proven media literacy skills. Lessons include: the downsides of comparing yourself to others, knowing when to find mental health support, staying safe without being afraid, what to do when encountering strangers online, dealing with inappropriate content, handling texting-related conflict, developing healthy digital habits as a life skill, seeing through addictive design, resisting the power of advertising, and more.
A companion podcast series offers parents conversation starters for effective tech-related talks with kids and teens, methods for supporting maturing kids’ tech use instead of monitoring them, along with insights from other parents and experts on raising balanced and healthy teens in a digital age.
“Navigating social media is more complex than ever for youth and families. I’m excited to see Ready Set Screen deliver a hands-on, practical resource like The Social Media Driver’s License that parents and young people can use together to prepare them from the start to have safer, healthier experiences online,” said Vicki Harrison, Program Director, Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing at Stanford Medicine.
“While every family will have their own rules and restrictions around technology, the research is clear that developing safe, healthy habits that stay with them throughout their lives is key to protecting their overall mental health,” added Berger. “I’m proud to apply my years of experience in media literacy education to helping parents and teens do just that.”
I had a chance to learn more in this interview.
For more information, please visit the Social Media Driver’s License.
About Jennifer Berger A tireless advocate for helping teens become smart consumers of media of all kinds, Berger recently reached the 20-year mark of working full-time in media literacy education, drawing on a passion for making girls and women aware of how media impacts them. That passion started in her college years at University of Michigan when she saw Dr. Jean Kilbourne’s seminal film “Killing Us Softly.” Since 2001, she’s helped teens question media and take their own action through her work as executive director of About-Face in San Francisco. Berger transformed it from an all-volunteer activist group into a first-of-its-kind nonprofit, which helped more than 10,000 teens question their media and understand how it can affect their self-esteem. She recently led the organization through another transformation, bringing media literacy and more to parents, kids, and teens, through a nationally available program, The Social Media Driver’s License. Please visit: https://jenniferlberger.com/
Why is it important for families to have open conversations about social media?
Every parent wants to have a warm relationship with their kids, and there are so many big and small topics to talk about, so the ones about social media sometimes move to the back burner. But we have to remember that silence doesn't protect kids — it just leaves them without guidance. Most parents I talk to want to have these conversations, but they don't know where to start, or they're worried about saying the wrong thing. And meanwhile, their kids are already navigating a world full of comparing oneself to others, curated highlight reels, and strangers trying to chat with them. Kids don’t often talk about these things proactively.
When families talk openly about social media — not just the rules, but the why behind them — kids learn to think for themselves, and more carefully, about what they're seeing and experiencing online. They're more likely to come to a parent when something feels off. And parents get a window into their child's digital life that they simply don't have otherwise. These conversations don't have to be perfect. And they may not feel comfortable. But they have to happen.
How does a framework like the Social Media Driver's License help empower children to make healthy and safe choices regarding social media?
Think about how we prepare kids to drive a car. We don't hand them the keys and hope for the best — we teach them the rules of the road, what to watch out for, how to handle unexpected situations. Nobody looks at a 15-year-old and says, "I'm sure they'll figure out how to merge onto the highway on their own." And yet that's basically what we do with social media, smartphones, and online gaming.
The Social Media Driver's License gives kids a real set of skills — not a list of don'ts or fears they should have. Topics like: How to recognize when content is designed to manipulate their emotions. How to protect their privacy (and why). How to handle conflict in texts and chats. How to think about their own values and futures before they post something they can't take back.
What I've seen in my 20 years of working with young people is that when you give kids real tools and tell them you think they’re capable, they rise to the challenge. Empowerment isn't about removing access — it's about building the judgment to use these tools intentionally and intelligently.
Parents are a huge part of teaching kids to drive a car, but also in helping them navigate the online world. The short parent course in the Social Media Driver’s License empowers parents to support their kids and have the right conversations at the right time. Kids will learn where the guardrails are and build confidence, but then parents can plug in and even learn something new for themselves.
How can parents and guardians incorporate the Driver's License even if their kids are already using social media?
It's never too late — and honestly, I hear this from so many parents I meet: “My kid already has a smartphone.” Starting the Social Media Driver's License when your child is already on social media actually has a real advantage: the content is immediately relevant to them. They're not learning hypothetically — they're applying it to things they're already experiencing. That tends to make the conversations richer and the lessons stick better.
The reality is that very few kids get this kind of preparation before they're on social media and phones. That’s the ideal time. But that ship has sailed for a lot of families, and that's okay. We're not here to make anyone feel bad about the past two years of unchecked scrolling.
What I'd encourage parents to do is to do the parent course at the same time their kid is doing their portion, not just hand it to them. The Social Media Driver’s License Parent Companion audio course — like a set of short podcast episodes — is build for this, so you're both learning, and you have a shared language and conversation starters to actually talk about what comes up. That's where the real shift happens: not just in what your kid knows, but in the trust you can build together that can keep them safe, smart, and healthy online. They’ll be much more likely to come to you when online situations go sideways.
For more information, please visit the Social Media Driver’s License.
About Jennifer Berger A tireless advocate for helping teens become smart consumers of media of all kinds, Berger recently reached the 20-year mark of working full-time in media literacy education, drawing on a passion for making girls and women aware of how media impacts them. That passion started in her college years at University of Michigan when she saw Dr. Jean Kilbourne’s seminal film “Killing Us Softly.” Since 2001, she’s helped teens question media and take their own action through her work as executive director of About-Face in San Francisco. Berger transformed it from an all-volunteer activist group into a first-of-its-kind nonprofit, which helped more than 10,000 teens question their media and understand how it can affect their self-esteem. She recently led the organization through another transformation, bringing media literacy and more to parents, kids, and teens, through a nationally available program, The Social Media Driver’s License. Please visit: https://jenniferlberger.com/
Going Green - Bombi Strollers
Bombi, the eco-conscious stroller brand behind the award-winning Bēbee line, has expanded its lineup with two products built for modern, on-the-go families:
The Bēbee V3 Lightweight Stroller ($225) takes everything families loved about the V2 and elevates it, one-hand spring-assisted fold, a built-in newborn cocoon (no insert required), enhanced ventilation, and a 55 lb weight capacity. It delivers full-size comfort in a compact, travel-friendly package.
The Waggle Folding Stroller Wagon ($475) marks Bombi's entry into the fast-growing stroller wagon category, offering serious cargo capacity and flexibility for everything from park days to weekend adventures, without sacrificing maneuverability.
Both products are made with recycled materials and plastic-free packaging, without the premium price tag.
Music Minute - Karen Waldrup: Keeping the Faith
Karen Waldrup, known for her powerful voice, viral videos, and creative spirit, is excited to release her new single “Keeping The Faith,” today! The single delivers a powerful message about perseverance, hope, and trusting the journey through life’s most uncertain moments. For Karen Waldrup, “Keeping The Faith” is a deeply personal reflection of trusting God’s plan while navigating major life changes, including a difficult divorce, and believing that no matter the challenges, heartbreaks, or unexpected turns life may bring, there is always something brighter ahead for those who continue to believe. Through heartfelt lyrics and an inspiring message, the song reminds listeners that even in difficult seasons, unexpected blessings often arrive right when they are needed most.
To view the premiere with GodTube, visit HERE.
To purchase/stream: hypeddit.com/
"Keeping the Faith is about always believing that good things will happen and then trusting that they will,” says Waldrup. “It’s about waking up every day with hope in your heart, even when you can’t yet see the outcome. Faith isn’t always easy, but sometimes it’s the only thing that keeps you moving forward and reminds you that better days are ahead.”
Waldrup spent a great deal of time in prayer, asking God that if there was a creature in need of love and care, he would send it her way. Then, while she was attending a wedding in Puerto Rico, a dog unexpectedly appeared on her street and refused to leave. Her neighbors cared for the pup, put up posters, and searched for an owner, but no one ever came forward.
Now officially adopting the dog—lovingly named “Rica”—Karen believes the experience was a true example of faith and perfect timing.
"Before I left for Puerto Rico, I prayed and asked God that if one of His children—human or not—needed a home and someone to love them, to send them my way,” says Waldrup. “While I was gone, this sweet little soul showed up at my house and never left. Rica has completely stolen my heart, and I truly believe she was sent to me for a reason.”
Karen Waldrup’s Tour Schedule:
MAY 31 - The Troubadour / Nashville, Tenn.
JUN 04 - CMA Music Fest Fan Fair X / Nashville, Tenn.
JUN 05 - CMA Music Fest Martin’s BBQ / Nashville, Tenn.
JUN 06 - CMA Music Fest Fan Fair X / Nashville, Tenn.
JUN 10 - Waldrup Wednesday Facebook LIVE
JUN 26 - Texas Club / Baton Rouge, La.
JUN 27 - Ground Zero Blue Club / Biloxi, Miss.
AUG 08 - Chief’s on Broadway / Nashville, Tenn.
AUG 22 - Moonless Film Festival / Franklin, Tenn.
SEP 11 - Private Event / Aurora, Ind.
SEP 12 - Butler County Music Festival / Saxonburg, Pa.
SEP 13 - Butler County Music Festival Worship Sunday / Saxonburg, Pa
OCT 08 - Infinity Music Awards / Nashville, Tenn.
For additional concert information and all things Karen Waldrup, visit HERE.
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More About Karen Waldrup:
Karen Waldrup is an internationally recognized Country Soul artist with over 1 million fans online and more than 400 million video views. A Top 5 finalist on Season 25 of NBC’s The Voice, she’s been featured in major outlets like Billboard, Rolling Stone, PEOPLE, Netflix, The Hallmark Channel, and more. She’s a BMI songwriter, a member of the Recording Academy (NARAS), CMA, and a proud partner with Mission of Hope: Haiti. Waldrup has won twelve Nashville Industry Music Awards, received the 2019 Torch Award from the Keith Whitley Fingerprint on Country Music Awards, and was named a 2023 Top 5 Artist to Watch by Country Evolution. With seven studio albums and over 50 songs released worldwide, she continues to make her mark on the country music scene.
Her debut album JUSTIFIED, produced by Garth Fundis (Trisha Yearwood, Don Williams, Alabama), appeared on four Billboard charts and featured “Sometimes He Does,” which was praised in Rolling Stone and named “Disc of the Day” by Robert Oermann. Waldrup has performed in over 15 countries, blending classic country with Louisiana soul. Her 2022 album Kendall County Road, produced by Grammy winners Paul Worley and Biff Watson, includes songs written with WWII veteran Jim Martin and a duet with Wendy Moten. She recently released singles including “Louisiana Hurricane” and “Fix It,” “Blue Cowboy Boots,” and her new single, “Keeping The Faith,” is out now.
Music Minute - The Kody Norris Show: Good Ol' USA Video
Award-winning country and bluegrass group The Kody Norris Show has premiered the official music video for their latest single, “Good Ol’ USA.” The video made its premiere on RFD-TV and Taste of Country, where it will be featured as part of the outlet’s Taste of Country ‘Top 10 Video Countdown’ with new videos posting every Saturday.
Released on Rebel Records, “Good Ol’ USA” is the newest offering from the band’s forthcoming album, ‘Spirit of America,’ due out Friday, June 26. Written by Kody Norris and Larry Chunn, the song arrives as the nation prepares to celebrate America250, capturing the pride, joy, and unmistakable musical spirit that have become hallmarks of The Kody Norris Show.
Filmed on location at Mount Rushmore, the “Good Ol’ USA” music video takes the song’s patriotic message to one of the most iconic landmarks in the country. With the band’s signature rhinestone style, high-energy performance, and a sweeping visual backdrop tied directly to America’s story, the video brings together bluegrass tradition, national pride, and the larger-than-life personality that fans have come to expect from The Kody Norris Show.
“‘Good Ol’ USA’ embodies all the feelings of celebrating America250,” shares Kody Norris. “When we began seeking out locations to film a music video we wanted something iconic that would make a statement. Mount Rushmore was at the top of our list but presented several monumental challenges (no pun intended)! With the help of some amazing park rangers, our top-notch team and after putting several thousand miles of asphalt behind us, our dream video set became a reality! We hope the viewers enjoy watching this one as much as we did filming. This is definitely one we will never forget!”
The “Good Ol’ USA” video follows the release of the single, which first premiered with Center Stage Magazine and gave fans another taste of Spirit of America. The full project, arriving June 26, finds The Kody Norris Show honoring the music, stories, and values that have shaped generations, blending beloved American themes with fresh original material and the band’s unmistakable “showgrass” sound.
With Spirit of America, The Kody Norris Show leans fully into a season of celebration. The album is designed as both a tribute and a rallying cry, arriving at a defining cultural moment as America approaches its 250th anniversary. From the bounce and pride of “Good Ol’ USA” to the broader collection of songs that honor home, faith, service, unity, and heritage, ‘Spirit of America’ promises to be one of the band’s most timely and meaningful releases to date.
The group recently kicked off their 2026 ‘Spirit of America’ tour, which includes more than 60 shows in 20 states, including Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, and more. They will also be heading to Colorado for their first-ever RockyGrass with artists including Punch Brothers, The Del McCoury Band, Tim O’Brien, Steep Canyon Rangers, and more!
The Kody Norris Show’s ‘Spirit of America’ tour:
MAY 16 - Silver Dollar City Bluegrass & BBQ Festival / Branson, Mo.
MAY 17 - Silver Dollar City Bluegrass & BBQ Festival / Branson, Mo.
MAY 18 - Silver Dollar City Bluegrass & BBQ Festival / Branson, Mo.
MAY 22 - Hills of Home Bluegrass Festival / Coburn, Va.
MAY 23 - Museum of Butler, TN Homecoming / Butler, Tenn.
MAY 24 - Memory Days / Grayson, Ky.
MAY 29 - Back Forty Bluegrass Festival / Curryville, Mo.
JUN 05 - Farm Jamb / Kirksville, Ky.
JUN 06 - Roots & Rhythm Festival / Morgantown, Ky.
JUN 12 - Cedar Fest / Lebanon, Va.
JUN 17 - Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Festival / Bean Blossom, Ind.
JUN 18 - Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Festival / Bean Blossom, Ind.
JUN 20 - Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival / Roxboro, N.C.
JUN 25 - Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival / Centre Hall, Pa.
JUN 27 - South Branch Valley Bluegrass Festival / Romney, W.Va.
JUL 11 - Backyard Breakdown / Mountain City, Tenn.
JUL 17 - Doc and Rosa Lee MusicFest / Boone, N.C.
JUL 26 - RockyGrass / Lyons, Colo.
JUL 29 - Ravinia Festival / Highland Park, Ill.
JUL 30 - Shade Gap Picnic / Shade Gap, Pa.
JUL 31 - Farmers Branch Bluegrass Festival / Farmers Branch, Texas
AUG 01 - Farmers Branch Bluegrass Festival / Farmers Branch, Texas
AUG 13 - North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival / Cherokee, N.C.
AUG 15 - Winding Creek Music Festival / Russiaville, Ind.
AUG 16 - Bluegrass Ramble at the Barn / Canal Winchester, Ohio
AUG 21 - Pickin' in the Pasture / Lodi, N.Y.
AUG 22 - Pickin' in the Park / Trenton, Ohio
AUG 23 - Southern Gap Trails and Tunes Festival / Breaks, Va.
AUG 27 - Three Lakes Center for the Arts / Three Lakes, Wis.
AUG 28 - Lakes Bluegrass Festival / Backus, Minn.
AUG 29 - Lakes Bluegrass Festival / Backus, Minn.
SEP 03 - Camp Springs Labor Day Bluegrass Festival / Elon, N.C.
SEP 11 - Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Festival / Beaver Dam, Ky.
SEP 12 - Backyard Bluegrass Festival / Sullivan, Ill.
SEP 13 - Cameron Bluegrass Festival / Cameron, Wis.
SEP 17 - Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival / Kodak, Tenn.
SEP 18 - Dailey & Vincent Music Fest / Hiawassee, Ga.
SEP 19 - Cumberland River Bluegrass Festival / Burkesville, Ky.
SEP 26 - Upperco Bluegrass Festival / Upperco, Md.
OCT 02 - Mountain City Fiddler's Convention / Mountain City, Tenn.
OCT 03 - Mountain City Fiddler's Convention / Mountain City, Tenn.
OCT 16 - Headin' Home Fest / Swainsboro, Ga.
OCT 17 - Carter Family Fold / Hiltons, Va.
OCT 21 - Dollywood's Harvest Festival / Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
OCT 22 - Dollywood's Harvest Festival / Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
OCT 23 - Yadkin Valley Roots Festival / Yadkinville, N.C.
OCT 24 - David Crockett Homestead and Bluegrass Festival / Union City, Tenn.
NOV 14 - Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival / Wilmington, Ohio
NOV 21 - A Curtis Andrew Auction Facility / Federalsburg, Md.
For additional concert information and The Kody Norris Show’s full schedule, visit thekodynorrisshow.com.
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About The Kody Norris Show:
The Kody Norris Show continues bringing bluegrass music to both core fans of the genre and new audiences. They are a youthful voice in bluegrass music, and insiders have awarded them multiple IBMA & SPBGMA Nominations and wins, including Entertainer of the Year, Instrumental Group of the Year, Guitar Performer of the Year for Kody Norris, and Fiddler of the Year for Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris.
The Kody Norris Show’s album 'All Suited Up' (2021) charted at #7, and 'Rhinestone Revival' (2023) at #8 on the Billboard charts. Their trademarked high-energy style delivers an unrivaled live show experience. The band has played the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry, SiriusXM, and other stages worldwide. Rife with rhinestones, loaded with laughs, and a heaping helping of high-powered traditional music, The Kody Norris Show is truly one of a kind.
For more information, visit thekodynorrisshow.com.
Book Nook - The Adventures of Mabel and Max – The Search for the Silver Chicken
In a time when children are growing up surrounded by material rewards and constant comparison, one new book is asking a simple but powerful question: what truly makes something valuable?
In The Adventures of Mabel and Max – The Search for the Silver Chicken, author Lindsay Walker delivers a heartwarming and imaginative story that gently shifts the focus from external treasure to internal meaning. Written for children aged 6–9, or younger audiences being read to, the book follows two unlikely companions: Mabel, a curious and adventurous chicken, and Max, a thoughtful lynx, as they set off in search of a lost jewel.
What begins as a classic quest quickly transforms into something deeper. Along the way, the pair encounters a vibrant cast of animal characters, including a frog with flair, a musical grasshopper, and a graceful bird. Each interaction offers subtle yet meaningful lessons about identity, confidence, and the importance of recognising one’s unique strengths.
Synopsis:
In a world filled with pearls, sapphires, and rubies, sometimes the greatest treasure is one you didn’t expect to find. When Mabel and Max set off on the hunt for a lost jewel, they encounter a series of colourful characters who each teach them something about themselves and the world around them. Along the way, questions arise—can chickens fly, what do lynxes eat, and what truly makes something valuable? As their journey unfolds, Mabel and Max begin to discover that friendship itself may be the greatest treasure of all.
Told across six short chapters and brought to life with charming black-and-white illustrations, the book is designed to support early readers while keeping them fully engaged. Its structure makes it ideal for both independent reading and shared storytelling moments between parents and children.
“What began as a story for my daughter quickly grew into a series,” says Walker. “Inspired by her love of lynxes, the characters came from the stories I created at home, with Mabel based on one of our own chickens—full of personality and adventure.”
She continues, “In a world where materialism is often seen as the goal, I wanted to create a story that brings the focus back to what truly matters—friendship, connection, and valuing who we are rather than what we have. Those are the lessons I hope children carry with them long after they finish the story.”
For more information, reviews, and purchasing options, visit:
www.lindsaywalkerbooks.com
About the Author:
Lindsay Walker is a clinical psychologist and author whose lifelong passion for writing began in childhood. After initially pursuing journalism, she shifted her focus to psychology, ultimately training and working in both the UK and Australia before establishing her own practice. Alongside her professional career, she continued writing, and the Mabel and Max series was born from the bedtime stories she created for her daughter. Now a mother of two, Walker draws on her life experiences, creativity, and love of storytelling to craft meaningful, engaging stories for young readers.
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