But share we must. It’s important for you to know, as you all support us with prayers, thoughts, and well wishes, and many of you support us financially. We are quite grateful for – and desperately need – your continued support.

Well, I must stop dragging my feet.  For the 2006-2007 school year, we had to reduce the Children’s Enrichment Program. We didn’t want to do this, but we just didn’t have enough money to continue operating at the same level. Previously, we served 1,280 children in nine counties; now, we serve 940 children in seven. Previously, we saw the children roughly twice per week; now, we visit the children roughly once per week. We’ve had to say goodbye to some of the good folks who have served as Arts Specialists in the program, as we couldn’t support a staff of eight.

Some things have not changed. Pam Lindsey is still Coordinator of the program, developing curriculum that will help the children we serve to learn and grow. The children still receive hands-on instruction in music, creative movement, and storytelling from three very talented individuals who love children. The children’s teachers still receive CDs containing the songs from the program to reinforce the children’s musical experience throughout the week.

Decisions to scale back such as this are quite painful. We, as I’m sure do you, strongly believe in the importance of the program, so we knew it was necessary to ensure we could continue to touch the lives of the 940 children that still receive the program. And we are convinced the program touches lives, evidenced in the comments we’ve received from evaluation forms, and from the transformation our Specialists have seen in the children with whom they work.

You ask, “What about the scholarships?” While we were very pleased with the results of the scholarship drive, we simply didn’t receive enough to cover all the children.  You ask, “Should I still send in my scholarship for next year?” Oh yes, please. We are counting on these funds to keep the program at its present level. Under the new structure, the prior $140 scholarship level will support almost two children, so you can feel good knowing that your funds will help more children. (As restructured, it takes roughly $80 to sponsor one child for one year.)  We ask for your continued prayers, well wishes, and financial support. We hope to again grow the program to its previous size, and then even larger! TRS

WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW

Some of the comments we’ve received from Head Start and Pre-K teachers regarding the Children’s Enrichment Program. At the end of each year, we provide an evaluation form, requesting specific feedback (of course we’re always open to feedback throughout the year, this is just a bit more formal). Periodically, we receive thank you cards and letters, some written by adults, and some that are from the children with a little help from adults. Here are some of the comments we received from the last school year. Many of these comments have been received multiple times with similar wording. I would share more, but this is a rather short newsletter and there’s only so much room…

• [Hard to reach children] become more expressive and they learn to enjoy participating in front of the group.
• The shy children have definitely opened up and even enjoy performing before the class.
• Many that do not participate in the regular classroom do participate in music.
• [Parents] say their children come home talking about how fun the program is and some even do the songs/stories together as a family.
• [The Program] develops self-confidence, coordination, and memory.
• [The Program] helps them to increase their language skills, verbally and non-verbally.
• [The Program] builds retention, good repetition, builds self-confidence.
• It teaches the children to express themselves through music and dance without being shy or embarrassed.
• Thank you for giving our children the opportunity to enjoy music as a part of their day. TRS

EARLY BIRDS

We are amazed at some of the responses we receive when folks are amazed that a preaching workshop is full. I mean, you would expect a certain amount of grace from members of clergy! So, to keep peace in the family, we are sailing in uncharted waters – we have begun allowing folks to register for the Spring workshop before the Fall workshop has taken place. Yes, you heard me correctly. You may now register for the March 12 workshop (note the difference in date!). In fact, 7 folks have already signed up, so if you want to attend in March, drop what you’re doing and head for the phone or the computer and let us know you want to attend. The October workshop filled up in July. But be forewarned, if we run into any trouble, we’ll go back to the old method of waiting until one workshop is complete before opening registration for the next. We want to keep members of the cloth in good standing and productive, rather than having to spend time going to confession. TRS

APPALACHIAN WEEKEND 2006 MUSIC IN APPALACHIAN LIFE

Dates/Times
Friday, September 29 at 5:30 pm
Saturday, September 30 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Location
The Performing Arts Center located on the campus of Fannin County High School
2346 E. First Street
Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513

Performers
Friday, September 29
5:30 pm The Onllwyn Male Voice Choir (from southern Wales)
Men’s Chorale of Cherry Log Christian Church


Saturday, September 30
10:00 am Blue Ridge Mountain Dulcimer Players
10:45 am Cherry Log Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Choir
11:30 am Laura Boosinger
12:15 pm Lunch break
1:00 pm Shape Note Singing Workshop, led by Laura Boosinger
2:15 pm Mountain Children
2:45 pm Afternoon break
3:15 pm The Barker Brothers
4:00 pm The Hoyles

Outdoor events (Saturday only)
Harmony Baptist Church will be bringing breakfast and lunch; items will be available for purchase.
Craft booths will be situated under tents; crafters will have items available for purchase.
Admission is Free

Directions
From Appalachian Highway 515, aka US 76, head east on old Highway 76/E. First Street (the intersection where you see June Walker Chevrolet). Follow the road until you see the Performing Arts Center at Fannin County High School on a large hill on your right.

Lodging
There are several places to stay in the area; here are a few names and numbers:
Black Bear Cabin Rentals: 888/ 902-2246, or www.blackbearcabinrentals.com
Days Inn—Blue Ridge: 706/ 632-2100
Douglas Inn & Suites—Blue Ridge: 706/ 258-3600
Ramada Limited—Blue Ridge: 706/ 632-4444
Best Western—Ellijay: 706/ 515-1500
Budget Inn—Ellijay: 706/ 635-5311
Stratford Motor Inn—East Ellijay: 706/ 276-1080