That’s what one of our volunteers once said to me, and she was right.

I need not remind you how busy our lives have become. American productivity is up, and workdays and workweeks have extended significantly. Children are involved in more activities, filling their resumes to get into the best schools. Finding blocks of time to help make the world a better place is a romantic idea we daydream about while sitting in traffic, figuring it will take until retirement before coming to fruition. Or if only we would win that Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes! Perhaps that’s true in the sense in which we daydream… that is, thinking of tutoring or mentoring high risk children after school each day, or spending every Wednesday morning filling bags at the food bank – tasks hard to perform when you’re working full time, and have to get dinner on the table, head to basketball practice, then Brownies, then help with the science fair project that’s due tomorrow...

We have good news: we’re flexible. You can help with just a few minutes or hours. All great works are not accomplished by elaborate programs with significant time commitments; small pieces fit together nicely to build our beautiful mural. We know you’re busy, but we need your help.

“What can I possibly do?”

You tell us.

Do you know people who might wish to fund some of our programs? Or do you enjoy writing? Perhaps you can help us in our efforts to seek grant funding.

Do you enjoy driving, weight training, and meeting people? Perhaps you can assist in picking up/delivering furniture and appliances to those in need.

Do you enjoy socializing and organizing events? Perhaps you could head up a small fundraiser amongst friends and acquaintances, like a wine and cheese tasting party.

Do you enjoy cycling, running, or another athletic activity? Perhaps you could participate in a race on behalf of the Center, both to raise money and awareness of who we are and what we do.

Do you enjoy technology, public speaking, financial coaching, statistics, research, legal or administrative matters? Other topics not mentioned here? Please tell us.

We are building a roster of folks that wish to help in some way – folks we can call on if a need arises. If you know your schedule only permits you to assist the third Tuesday of each month, and then only if it’s a full moon, tell us. We love specifics.

We are grateful to our existing volunteers. Without them, programs such as our furniture closet, Appalachian Weekend, and our preaching workshops wouldn’t be possible. In fact, you wouldn’t be reading this article; volunteers play a crucial role in the distribution of Milk & Honey.

See what it’s like to enrich lives through service at The Craddock Center. We look forward to hearing from you. - TRS
 

DR. CRADDOCK HONORED

On October 4, Dr. Fred Craddock was recognized for his volunteer work in the community at the Fannin County Community Service Conference. Officially, he was named third place Volunteer of the Year. For those of you who aren’t aware, all of Dr. Craddock’s work at The Craddock Center is on a volunteer basis. He has tried to retire, but simply can’t. Why? The work is so important. Not only does his commitment fill us with gratitude, it inspires us. We are pleased he has received formal, well-deserved recognition, and thought you would want to know. - TRS
 

CHA-CHING!

I know you love the sound your coins make as they fall into your pickle jar. By now, perhaps the sound is more like a dull “thud”. We’ve already had an enormous pickle jar filled with coins delivered to us, bearing a lovely red ribbon and accompanied with a kind letter. Rumor has it a construction crane was enlisted to load the jar into the donor’s car. We were moved by his generosity.—TRS

ONLY THE PLACE HAS BEEN CHANGED

The Program: “Winged for the Heart”, Songs and Stories by Dr. Steven Darsey and Dr. Fred Craddock. (No change)
The Date: The last Saturday of January. In 2007, that is January 27. (No change)
The Time: 8:00 pm (No change)
The Audience: All who wish to join us. No charge, but an offering is taken. (No change)
The Place: The Performing Arts Center at Fannin County High School in Blue Ridge, Georgia. We were scheduled out of our usual time at Brasstown. But this room is larger, more comfortable, better acoustics, better lighting. Steve likes it, I like it, and you will like it. Tammy will publish directions for out of towners. Why not rent a cabin with a fireplace and make a weekend of it? More later.
I’m getting excited. - FBC

RESILIENCE

In a recent seminar for ministers in Kansas City, I was teamed with psychiatrist and long-time friend, Dr. Betty Bashaw. In our discussions of displacement, disappointment, and violence, Dr. Bashaw introduced the subject of resilience. She pointed out that persons who have experienced poverty, family breakups, and even death in the family, if resilient, can adapt and live successful, fruitful lives.

And what makes for resilience? Among several factors, two especially impressed me: 1) the encouragement and emotional connection with an adult outside the family, and 2) the ability to read early and experience a love of books. (Dr. Bashaw cited a study by Werner and Smith.)

I thought of our Children Enrichment Program and was quietly proud. Well, not too quietly: I mentioned it to a few dozen.

But I especially wanted you to know. -FBC



WE’RE UP TO 67

That’s right – there are already 67 folks signed up for the March 12 preaching workshop. The demand impresses us. Perhaps you misunderstood… Dr. Craddock will discuss preaching about money – he’s not giving out money! If you want to register, you should do so this very moment to have any hope of getting a seat. -TRS
 

YOU SAY APPALACHIAN, I SAY APPALACHIAN

I’ve been set straight… we’re not looking at “toe-MAY-toe” / “toe-MAH-toe”, or “cah-RIB-e-uhn” / “cah-ruh-BEE-uhn”. Apparently, it’s “Ap-pul-LATCH-uhn”, not “Ap-pul-LAY-chun”. This is important to know when serving as emcee for Appalachian Weekend. John, the kind bus driver from Appalachian State University, pulled me aside Friday evening after the Onllwyn Choir’s performance to inform me of this. As old habits die hard, I fell back to my old pronunciations on Saturday, and was again gently corrected, albeit this time publicly. While I will try to go forth and sin no more, I may slip back into the old comfort zone accidentally. If I do so, feel free to help me get back on the straight and narrow. - TRS

FINALLY, A SPEAKING FEE

After over 50 years of being without one. I know it has been frustrating for those inviting me to their churches or related groups. It would have been simpler for them and me: a yes or no would follow, without discussion.
But not having a required fee was my feeble attempt to be available to small churches as well as large, those with money and those without. So my hosts determined honorarium, and, on balance, usually gave me more than I deserved.

Now however, I have a set fee. My fee is this: make a gift to the Center. What size gift? All you can possibly afford. Take it or leave it. I will not budge a penny. I have no Plan B; this is it. I will not negotiate. – FBC



WERE YOU AMONG THE 400

Who came to enjoy the Onllwyn Choir and Men’s Chorale of Cherry Log Christian Church Friday night of Appalachian Weekend? What a grand performance indeed! Many folks also came to enjoy a musical Saturday. Thank you for your attendance and support, making this our most successful Appalachian Weekend ever. The music was grand, the food delicious, the crafts lovely, and the weather perfect. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I. - TRS