GA HEAD START ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES THE CRADDOCK CENTER’S CEP

You have been hearing stories about the positive impact of the Children's Enrichment Program on the lives of young children for the seven years it has been offered. In fact, you participate as partners in bringing this enrichment to 1340 children in the southern Appalachian mountains. The classroom teachers tell us their children start the morning by asking, “Is this the day Ms. Amanda comes with her keyboard, or Ms. Connie with her puppet, or will we see Ms. Kim today with her bells, is Mr. Jose bringing his guitar, when is Mr. John coming with his funny stories, and isn't it about time for Ms. Tracy to come with surprises?” Can you imagine having a job in which the goal is to promote literacy and self-esteem among three and four-year-olds by delivering songs, stories and creative movement, in other words, HAVING FUN?

The Georgia Head Start Association recently recognized The Craddock Center with the 2009 Corporate Award for modeling an outstanding community partnership promoting literacy and self-esteem in Early Childhood Education.

This award has brought to the attention of Head Start Directors across Georgia how the Children's Enrichment Program model could be implemented in their schools. In fact, after Kim Cheves and Connie Chancey presented a storytelling workshop for a group of Georgia Head Start teachers and Directors in August, they were asked by many if the CEP could be brought to their schools. Of course, the Directors are very aware that the Children's Enrichment Program could not exist without the generous support of partners like you. On behalf of the children whose lives are enriched by this program, we say thank you. Know that each day as the Children's Enrichment Arts Specialists enter the classrooms they are delivering happiness and hope to each child while building self-esteem and the foundation for literacy by HAVING FUN with stories, songs, and creative movement! Congratulations to the CEP Arts Specialists: Kim Cheves, Amanda Galloway, Connie Chancey, Tracy Walker, John Beavin, and Jose Illingworth for this well-deserved recognition!--TLS

What I hope to see you all at this program on January 30, 2010. If you are part of a Sunday School class , a book club, a seniors group at your church or just looking for a get-away during the winter, this is the ticket! Just make your reservations for a cabin for the weekend and come on up, over, down, across — just come on! You don’t even need a ticket. We are saving you a great seat! — TLS

I’LL BET I’VE TOLD TRISHA

One hundred times that there is no need for me to write this article. And one hundred and one times she has said that I need to write it. It is only natural, she says, that some supporters of our program may wonder if my retirement creates any uncertainty about the future of our mission. So why not, she repeats, a few sentences from you to the effect that your retirement does not alter our program or mission in the least?

But, Trisha, the program is altered already.
She is shocked. How so?

Under your leadership the Center Board is larger, stronger, and more committed; the Children’s Enrichment Program serves more children; the number of singers and storytellers has increased; more volunteers have been enlisted; more books and toys have been received and given away; we have wider name recognition than ever —- shall I go on?

But longtime supporters as well as new ones need to have clear assurance that there will be no change of direction, that our program and mission remain the same. That is a commitment.

Trisha, be not anxious. Let’s make a deal. If in the next 12 months there is any drop off of support , even one nickel; no, let say it more strongly: if there is not an increase in gifts, then I will admit I was wrong. But if there is no drop off but rather an increase in support, then you will admit you were wrong.
Agreed?
Agreed.

Now, my friends, prove me right. All the children are cheering for me, hoping I am right. In fact, I think deep down Trisha is hoping I am right. But will she admit it? We’ll see. — FBC

A GIFT THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME

If you are struggling with your gift list this year, trying to come up with just the right present for those friends and family who really don’t need another thing, how about bringing them joy by making a gift to the Children’s Enrichment Program of The Craddock Center. We have already received several such gifts this year and we thank those of you who have already done your shopping by writing a check to The Craddock Center and giving us the names and addresses of those loved ones you are gifting. Tammy then sends them a nice note telling them of the joy their gift will bring to the children in the mountains along with a brochure describing the Children’s Enrichment Program and the Story Express. This gift will definitely bring happiness and hope to the children who enjoy CEP and also joy to the grown-up recipients of your gift. This also works for birthdays, anniversaries, and wedding presents. Hopefully this idea removes some of the stress that is swirling around already. Enjoy the holidays!--TLS

EXCITEMENT IS IN THE AIR

As we prepare to welcome Silas House, who will give the Helen Lewis Lecture on March 5, 2010. Mr. House was born and bred in Kentucky, where he currently lives, lectures, and writes wonderful novels about life in the Appalachian Mountains. He also teaches at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. On his visit here he will speak about mountaintop removal as well as Appalachian culture as told through his novels. The lecture will be preceded by 30 minutes of genuine Appalachian music by his band. The place has been changed because the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association has made a permanent gallery in the Old Courthouse in Blue Ridge where we usually held the lectures. I think you are going to like the new venue in Epworth, which is just a few minutes west of Blue Ridge.

The Bonnie Higdon Reaves Auditorium is larger, more comfortable and the perfect setting for Silas House to speak.  You'll feel like you just stepped into one of Silas House's novels when you enter the warm Auditorium.  More specific directions will be in the next Milk and Honey. The program is free and reservations are not necessary.  You may want to read a book or two by Silas House before you meet him. You can choose from Clay’s Quilt, The Coal Tattoo, A Parchment of Leaves, The Well String (poetry), Eli the Good, or Something’s Rising: Appalachians Fighting Mountaintop Removal. Once you have read one, I guarantee you'll want to read more! Perhaps you'll be given one during the holidays.

If you want to spend the night in Blue Ridge, there are plenty of cozy cabins to rent with fireplaces. The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce has all the rental company contacts. With March being off-season you should be able to get a deal. Hope you will plan to be here. We'll be talking with the groundhogs around Cherry Log to make sure of good weather.--TLS

THOUGHTS AT END OF 2009

We have much to be thankful for in 2009. Although the national economy has been slow, we have been able to not only continue enriching the lives of those we serve, but have been able to see growth in some of the programs. Welcoming Jose Illingworth in August as a music Arts Specialist rounded out an already outstanding Children's Enrichment Program. We are blessed with a very strong Board of Directors: Paige Peugh, Chair, Brenda Crawford, Vice-Chair, Bobbie Cherry, Secretary, Walter Boleman, Treasurer, Diane Bales, Peggy Cleveland, Fred Craddock, Director Emeritus, Dick Hammill, Vicki Hitt, Doug Leman, Don Mahaffey, Jim McCormick, and Wilds Pierce. Dick Hammill produced the DVD, Story of a Man and His Dream, about the founding of The Craddock Center. Dick Hammill also just completed taking the Board through a branding process which we will present early in 2010. We had our first intern when Kristin Burrow arrived in May from Texas and the first Family Mission Trip in May from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. They are already planning to come again over Memorial Day Weekend to work and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation in this corner of the world. Your gifts have made it possible to donate nearly 4,000 books to children who are very excited to have their own brand new books; approximately 3,000 gently used books which went to school libraries, shelters, and DFCS; three automobiles were donated which saved the jobs of the recipients; over 100 families received furniture; 240 families were given assistance for winter heating and power; 400 families received portraits of their children thanks to the generosity of Katie Brown and Sara Lindkrantz; 500 Beanie Babies, plus many stuffed animals and Barbie dolls were donated by Gloria Rippey; and 900 handmade wooden toys were given to children thanks to the toymaker groups at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, and East Lake United Methodist Church in Clearwater, Florida. Whew! What a wonder-full year you have made possible. I look forward to all the possibilities that lie ahead of us in 2010! Blessing of Advent and the Peace of God to each and every one you. — TLS

The Craddock Center will be closed
December 24 & 25
and
December 31 & January 1

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, January 30, 2010—Songs & Stories Appalachian Style—with Bob and Melody Thomason weaving dulcimer music, songs, and stories at 7:30 p.m. at Fannin County High School, Performing Arts Center Monday, March 1, 2010—Spring Preaching Workshop—9:00 a.m.–1 p.m. at Cherry Log Christian Church with Dr. Gene Lowry presenting—No charge, but reservations required at craddockcenter@tds.net Friday, March 5, 2010—Sixth Annual Helen Lewis Lecture. Silas House, Appalachian novelist, musician and environmental activist will be the guest lecturer, 7:00 p.m. Free admission with location to be announced soon.