Jimmy Carter's kindness: Neighbors share heartwarming stories
ATLANTA - The Carter Center is now shut down and some nearby roads are closed as preparations are underway for a public viewing for former President Jimmy Carter this weekend.
Those who live near the Carter Center have noticed the additional security and roadblocks.
"He was such a good human," said Geremy Van Arkel.
Living in Georgia, Geremy Van Arkel says a lot of people he knows has a story about former President Jimmy Carter.
Van Arkel was a 22-year-old college kid, working for a catering company when he served the former president a meal.
"Afterwards he took the time, probably 10, 15 minutes with each person that worked there, allowed for pictures, talked to us, asked us questions, I look back on that fondly," said Van Arkel.
Van Arkel now lives in the same neighborhood where some members of the Carter family live and would often see the former president.
"Jimmy Carter would walk around on Halloween and hand out candy to kids. No security, no nothing. The neighbors would all talk to him. He was unbelievably gracious.
"The presidential library is right here. I live right down the street. So, I'm fortunate to be in the neighborhood and consider him kind of a local," said Mary Beth Cutshall.
Cutshall says she feels a closeness to the former president, in addition to being from Georgia, she says Jimmy Carter was a gracious and good man.
"An amazing human being that has been an inspiration in my life and I think to this country. I think he tried to be a beacon of peace and tried to create some of that around the world. He inspires me to try to be a better person," said Cutshall.
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The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5's Denise Dillon.