The Mountain Spirit - Spring 2009

mountain Christian Appalachian Project V o lu m e X X V III

True stories of courage, devotion and hope

N o. 1

2 0 0 9 S p rin g Is s u e

belief from Kentucky’s ce Storm

&*%«*>! ïi£.

^SKm

l> Volunteer Profile j Raul Rodriguez ■ Book R eview

Troublesome Creek

by Jan Watson

m A ro u n d th e P ro je c t Nursing Students provide service to eastern Kentucky

Contents

Reader Services TO CONTACT US by phone: (859) 269-0635 toll-free: (866) 270-4227 by email: capinfo@chrisapp.org Website: www.christianapp.org Christian Appalachian Project P.O. Box 55911 Lexington, KY 40555

Features

Mountain Spirit Staff Editor/Design Linda G. East

Graphic Design Danielle Tannenbaum

Contributing Writers Margaret Gabriel Danielle Tannenbaum Bill Imhof

Photos Christina Amenta Linda East Margaret Gabriel Bill Imhof Mike Loiacono

SUBSCRIPTIONS The Mountain Spirit is published four times a year. The annual subscription price is $20.00. Subscriptions and other correspondence should be sent to:

Grateful Threadz

The Mountain Spirit Christian Appalachian Project

Financial information about the Christian Appalachian Project can be obtained by contacting us at 6550 South KY Rt. 321, P.O. Box 459, Hagerhill, KY 41222 or 1866-270-4CAP (4227) or as stated below. Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State, (303) 894-2680, www.sos.state.co.us/ re: Reg. No. 20023006807. FLORIDA: SC-0009 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, AT 1-800-HELP-FLA. Georgia: Afull and fair description of the programs and activities of Christian Appalachian Project and its financial statement are available upon request at the address above.

Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (800) 825-4510. Michigan: Our license number is MICS9933. Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of the Christian Appalachian Project may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-2366167. NEW JERSEY: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.niconsumeraffairs.aov/ocD.htm#charitv. New York: Upon

P.O. Box 55911 Lexington, KY 40555 Copyright, 2009, the Christian Appalachian Project, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Christian Appalachian Project is a non-profit Christian service organization operating throughout Appalachia.

The Christian Appalachian Project is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is qualified to receive tax deductible contributions.

The Heart of a CAP Volunteer Raul Rodriguez

request, a copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organi­ zation or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing to the Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of the Christian Appalachian Project may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: Financial statements are available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA23218.

Washington: The notice of solicitation required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State, and information relating to financial affairs of the Christian Appalachian Project is available from the Secretary of State at the toll-free number for Washington residents: 1-800-3324483. W est Virginia: Residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. REGISTRATION IN THE ABOVE STATES DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE CHRISTIAN APPALACHIAN PROJECT BY THE STATE. As a 501(c)(3) charity, CAP is eligible to receive tax-deductible contribu­ tions allowable by IRS regulations. Funds received in excess of what is needed to support this ministry will be distributed to other CAP missions. For additional information on CAP missions, visit our Web site at www.christianapp.org.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT The Christian Appalachian Project is an interdenominational, non-profit Christian organization committed to serving people in need in Appalachia by providing physical, spiritual and emotional support through a wide variety o f programs and services.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES I. To promote the dignity and self-worth o f individuals by promoting self-help.

II. 7o practice and encourage good stewardship o f and accountability for all o f the resources entrusted to us.

III. Tofoster individual growth among staff volunteers, donors and program participants.

IV. To live out and promote the Gospel o f Jesus Christ through all o f our actions.

V. Tofoster open, honest and effective communication both inside and outside the organization.

VI. To involve the Appalachian people at all social and economic levels in developing solutions to poverty.

2

Book Review Troublesome Creek

by Jan Watson

Words of Wisdom....................10 D e p a r t m e n t s A r o u n d t h e p r o j e c , .............................. 1 6

Appalachian Recipes..............26 Backporch Poetry....................28

Visit our website at www.christianapp.org

Online Gift Catalog

WorkFest 2009

He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.

Camp Information

Operation Sharing

~ Psalm 72:6

Volunteer Information

Disaster Relief

Video Blogs

Photo submitted by Christie DeMoss of Rosman, NC: photo of Triple Falls, Dupont State Forest, NC

On The Cover CAP employee Jolene Rice prepares clothes for sales floor at Grateful Threadz, by Margaret Gabriel

On The Back Water scene, photo by Christina Amenta

One Hope, One Purpose CAP Book online 3

- by Margaret Gabriel Fern French arrives at the spacious, airy store on Williams Street in Mount Vernon, Ky. She greets workers Jolene Rice and Janet Giovak and begins to look carefully through the attractively displayed clothing, costume jewelry, household items and books.

“I like to come as often as I can,” said Miss Fern, as she is known to the workers at Grateful Threadz. She refers to her trips to the used clothing store as “therapy for me,” and she comes at least once a week or as often as her daughter is able to bring her.

“I find name brands here that I would pay a lot more for anywhere else,” Miss Fern said.

Peggy Hancock is the manager of Grateful Threadz, and worked 15 to 18 hours a day to open the store a little over a year ago. “We had to gut the building and start all over again,” Peggy said. Although she had managed the Christian Appalachian Project used clothing store in Berea (about 15 miles away), Peggy calls the launching of the new program scary.

The program in Berea, called “The Attic,” was one of CAP’S

Miss Fern French talks with cashier Janet G iovak at the check-out.

first programs and when Peggy began as manager, she was stepping into a long-established and successful enterprise. Since the first days of the Attic in the 1950s, CAP supporters have supplied the merchandise for the stores (as many as six in various CAP counties) and they continue

to send clothing to Grateful Threadz.

Although there had been an Attic in Mount Vernon many years ago, when Grateful Threadz was launched, “We started the program as a whole new enterprise,” Peggy said.

“I had to make sure I was

G rateful T hreadz also provides w ork activity f o r w om en w ho are residents o f C A P ’s Fam ily Life A buse S h elter a n d H ealing R a in

Stored m erchandise ready to be taken out to custom ers.

ordering the right furniture and enough racks. Was I getting the best price? Where should I get hangers? There were so many details!”

Peggy recalls that right up until the day they opened, she was still finalizing details about the opening of Grateful Threadz. She credits her husband, Richard Hancock, with creating the name. It indicates that the store is more than just a place where people can get low-cost clothing. It also provides people with a connection to the Christian Appalachian Project and other programs and services they may need.

Jolene has worked at Grateful Threadz since its opening and has discovered that she enjoys working in retail and meeting the people, like Miss Fern, who come to the store. “We have one sweet

lady who comes every day to see what’s new,” Jolene said. “She said coming in helps her to feel better and that she’s our biggest source of advertisement!”

Grateful Threadz also provides work activity for

women who are residents of CAP’s Family Life Abuse Center (FLAC) and Healing Rain, its rehabilitation center for women with substance abuse issues.

“It’s true work activity for these ladies,” Peggy said. They have a regular schedule and periodic reviews about the quality of their work. Although all of their positions are volunteer, they are able to apply for “management” positions.

This allows them to supervise newer volunteers in the front of the store where they help customers or in the back where they sort, fold and price the donated clothing.

“Everyone tells me how reasonable our prices are,” Peggy says. “A blouse might be priced at one to four dollars, depending on its quality and condition.” The volunteers determine the price of a donated

G rateful T h re a d z also sells books, toys, furniture, and appliances.

~ by Margaret Gabriel Peggy Hancock compares the lives of the residents of the Family Life Abuse Shelter to people who have lost everything in a house fire.

“And the bread winner was burned up, too,” Peggy said.

“People who come to us are starting from absolute scratch.

They have nothing, except maybe the clothes on their backs.

Usually, when people move, they can take their things with them, but it’s scary to see people come to our shelter with absolutely nothing: no furniture, no kitchen equipment, no toiletries-nothing.

Everything has been taken away from them, and they’re in emotional turmoil, too.”

This is a fairly apt description of Cara, who has lived at FLAC since September 2008 with her nine-year-old twins, Martin and Ashley. She is working toward moving out of the shelter to a “Safe Haven” home, a transition program of Housing and Urban Development that will help pay rent and utilities for the family for one year.

Born and raised in Mount Vernon, Cara had moved away and was involved in a violent domestic relationship when she realized that she could provide safety for herself and her children by returning to Rockcastle County.

“When I got here, I was the angriest woman in the world,” Cara said, and Peggy concurred.

“Peggy offered me some on-thejob training at The Threadz’ and from my first day there, I loved it.”

Cara had no experience with 6

merchandising or retail before beginning at Grateful Threadz and says she was surprised to find that she had a talent for the work.

She enjoys the variety of the work and helping the shoppers who come in. “At first I didn’t want to be there, but Peggy saw something in me that she knew would be good for the store. And she was right. Everyone there is so down to earth and nobody thinks they’re better than anybody else.”

By the third day that Cara worked in the store, she was taking the time every morning to curl her hair, apply make-up and take care selecting her outfit.

“She had a new attitude and told me ‘I’ve never felt so good about myself in my life,”’ Peggy said.

Cara agrees. “I needed confidence and self-esteem and I’ve gotten that here.” She has worked in all of the volunteer positions at Grateful Threadz and now serves as the warehouse supervisor, where she directs other volunteers to unpack boxed donations and prepare them for the sales floor, including unfolding, steaming and pricing.

“When I first cam e h ere, I had a really hard time with m y attitu de Cara sa id . “B u t m y violence has sto p p ed h ere. ”

item that might have originated anywhere from a discount store to a designer boutique. All the price tags are color-coded and after an item has been on the shelf or rack for 30 days, it is reduced to half price and moved to another section of the store.

Coming to the end of its first year of operation, Grateful Threadz is still working out the small details of its operation, although Peggy says the community has welcomed them. Most of their customers, about two dozen a day, come from Rockcastle County, and a few people come to the store every day. Those people, Peggy suspects, come as much for the social contact as for the bargainpriced clothing.

i The im age o f th e j j sto re is on e th a t j ! p r e se n ts an im age \ j o f re sp e c t to th e < c u sto m e rs• i The back room of the store, includes a loading dock to ease accepting donations, has boxes stacked high, labeled with a brief description of their contents. Several signs instruct workers: “Every item taken to the sales floor must be steamed.”

The small, hand-held steamer removes wrinkles from clothing that has been unpacked and gives merchandise a crisp look and fresh smell. The image of the store is one that presents an image of respect to the customers.

Jolene steam s clothes before placing them on the sales floor.

“We’re very conscious of how services of ladies from FLAC clean the store is and we want to and Healing Rain. make sure it doesn’t smell like When the pantry opened mothballs,” Peggy said. “I think in November 2007, Peggy we’ve been very successful at anticipated serving 300 families that. I’ve had lots of people tell a month. As of February 2009, me that it doesn’t smell like a 637 households and 92 senior used clothing store.” citizens were registered to While the store was named receive food each month. In “Grateful Threadz” after careful just one year, Grateful Bread consideration, it just seemed distributed food to 3,933 adults natural to name the companion and 1,822 children. food pantry “Grateful Bread.”

Families or households Shorthand reference for the two need only register one time, is “the Threadz and the Bread,” and qualify based on their and the pantry also receives the monthly income. After initial registration, a participant may food one time each In ju s t o n e y e a r , receive month when needed, rather than on an already, pre-set schedule.

G ra tefu l B r e a d For example, a family could d istrib u te d f o o d to receive food on the last day of 3 ,9 3 3 a d u lts a n d one month and the first day of the next, but then would have to wait until the first of the next 1 ,8 2 2 c h ild ren . month to receive food again.

She has worked on the sales floor, helping people to assemble and accessorize outfits, “and she’s the only volunteer who has ever worked the cash register,” Peggy said. Cara not only has a talent for retail sales and working with customers, but a high degree of trust.

Cara is a certified electrician and, eventually, plans to return to that profession, one that she also enjoys.

Even so, she plans to continue giving eight to ten hours a week in volunteer service at the store and Peggy has invited her to serve on an advisory board for FLAC. Peggy and Cara describe the difficulties of living in a shelter, which they describe as a fishbowl.

“Everyone knows your business,” Cara said.

“If you discipline your children, every knows it and since everyone is so close, people will definitely tell you what they think. It’s really hard,” Peggy said.

Cara believes that her days of turmoil are behind her. Her twins are improving in school and are poised to earn honor-roll level grades; Ashley has joined the school basketball team and Martin is developing a talent for working with his hands.

“When I first came here, I had a really hard time with my attitude,” Cara said. “But my violence has stopped here.”

Cara and her twins.

7

“We average 35 to 40 new households every month,” Peggy said.

Not all families on her list meet the income eligibility requirement of God’s Pantry and those needed to receive government commodities, but Peggy adds them anyway, making a notation that they are eligible to receive only the food that is purchased by CAP. “We can be more flexible with our food,” she said. “And how do you turn someone away when they’re hungry?”

Peggy obtains food from a variety of sources. She is able to access government commodities, purchases inexpensive non-perishables from God’s Pantry (a central and eastern Kentucky food bank) and receives food at no cost from Operation Sharing (CAP’s gifts-in-kind donation distribution program). Some­ times, she said, when she finds two-for-one sales in local grocery stores and she is able to stock up without spending a lot of money. She finds this to be a particularly effective way to obtain sources of protein.

Food pantries often conduct drives in their own communities. Grateful Bread does the same. However, such activities do not always yield large amounts of food.

“We’re trying to increase local contributions because it gives the community more of a feeling of ownership,” Peggy said.

While retailers in larger communities may donate day-

G

old bread and perishables that are near the expiration date, local retailers usually sell all of their stock. The Rockcastle County school system conducts a once-a-year food drive and the local postal workers have told Peggy they plan to put more effort into their annual food drive of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Both Grateful Bread and Grateful Threadz meet needs of the community and meet them

with dignity. Peggy said that she envisions increasing both the stock and the number of customers they serve, but for now she is happy that “the Threadz and the Bread” are serving Rockcastle County in a way they truly need to be served.

V•

m

Need more space?

Grateful Threadz is Accepting Donations NOW! /

Grateful Threadz will accept donations of both used and new clothing, furniture, toys, books, small appliances, and more! So stop worrying and clean out that closet!

All YOU have to do is ship them to the address below:

/

Grateful Threadz 495 Williams Street Mt. Vernon, KY 40456

L';.

V

i V

c

n

d

s

s

a

¡ W

l

is

d

o

m

/

Concern should drive us into action and not intodepression.

*Jo th e IMOhld you/ aXeju&t oni* nehAotv, b u t to one pzhAotv youo co u ld hazaiv th e

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. flietic heart is like a spring ef pure irsting forth frem the meuntain side.

J f y o u d o n ’t s ta n d f m som eth in g, you *Som etim es th an by opportu n ities.

iv iti f a i l f m

w e a re lim ited m ore a ttitu

Donating stock to the Christian Appalachian Project is easy and convenient. The benefits include: Claiming the market value of the securities as a tax-deductible contribution (as opposed to the cost basis).

Avoiding capital gains tax local and state taxes on the profit from the sale of securities.

,

Lowering the cost basis o f the gift.

To transfer stocks in certificate form, you will need a stock power form, which we can provide at your request. Please do not sien the back of the actual stock certificates. Sign your name only on the stock power form.

Your bank will need to certify the stock power form with a medallion guarantee. We will fill out the remainder of the form. Enclose a note to explain your intentions (i.e., “I wish to donate X number of shares of Y Company to the Christian Appalachian Project, and sign note). When you are ready to transfer, please mail to us the unendorsed stock certificates and the signed stock power in separate envelopes.

If your stock is held electronically with a broker, please instruct your broker to call Clinton Long at Fifth Third Bank, Lexington, KY, at 859-455-5231. Clinton will handle the transfer.

The actual value of the gift is the amount of the mean value of the stock on the day it is received in the CAP office, or the day the electronic transfer is completed. We will notify you once the stock is processed and send you an acknowledgement letter to use for tax purposes. Our official name and address is: Christian Appalachian Project P.O. Box 55911 Lexington, KY 40555 In order to avoid the capital gains tax, donors must give the stock directly to the Christian Appalachian Project. It is the policy o f the Christian Appalachian Project to sell stock immediately upon receipt.

For your convenience, the Christian Appalachian Project has a brokerage account estab­ lished with Clinton Long, Fifth Third Bank, 250 West Main St, Ste 100, Lexington, KY 40507-1755, Phone: 859-455-5231, Fax: 859-455-5454.

Clinton.Long@53.com Institution number: 2116 Account number: 38 38 000 6210496 If you would like more information, please contact the Major Gifts Department at 859-269-0635 or gvickers@chrisapp.org C hristian

A ppalachian PPvOJECT

Dear Friend of The Mountain Spirit, As you read The Mountain Spirit, we hope that you will be blessed by the heartwarming stories of the people of Appalachia.

Services

■VbJunteerAiumni

As a supporter of the Christian Appalachian Project, you are a part of the CAP family, and without you, our mission in Appalachia would not be possible. We value your input and would love to hear from you!

As we continually work to improve the magazine, we would like for you to share your comments with us to be published in an upcoming issue of The Mountain Spirit. Please feel free to share your thoughts, poetry, recipes and prayer requests below.

Name: Address: City:__

State:

Dear Editor,

□ yes, Please share my comments in an upcoming issue of The Mountain Spirit.

C h r is t ia n

Appalachian PROJECT

I really enjoy reading “The Mountain Spirit.” I have always been fascinated about the mountains and its people and the way they lived. I was raised much this way coming from a very poor family, raised in the country in Louisiana, picking cotton by hand, pulling corn, and raising animals on the farm where we lived, much the same way the country people of “Appalachia” have lived in the past. I try to donate each month.

James Laborde Mansura, LA

It has been a number of years since I talked with you, having just sent you a copy of Elvira’s book of poetry, “STARLIGHT.” I am so delighted to see the poem “O Tannenbaum” in the current issue of “The Mountain Spirit.”

We just received a special gift from the Lord. We chose 10 ministries we knew are doing God’s work to receive a tithe from this gift. As God smiles on us we wish to show God’s love to others. Thank you for your dedicated work in Appalachia. We will continue to pray for your ministry and the people you serve as always.

Dennis Newhard Hallstead, PA

Perhaps come springtime there will be one of her vernal referenced poems you could find suitable for your spring issue.

I am now ninety-eight and intend to be a supporter of CAP as I am able.

Very truly yours, Elwood Banfill

mmrnM,poei/uj. mdu unfa UA m ij k m tm i puMi&lwl/

mj 13

■e tells a story... vivid colorful detail.

Send your Appalachian scenery Photos!

A picture can tell an amazing story and that is why The Mountain Spirit department is looking for Appalachian scenery photos for the back cover of our magazine. If you have a beautiful Appalachian scenery photo and would like it considered for future issues, please send it to us with the completed coupon below.

Become a part of The M ountain Spirit 1 1 The Christian Appalachian Project has my permission 1□ YES! to publish the enclosed Appalachian scenery photo in an | upcoming issue o f their magazine and other publications.

1 I Name (Please Print): i ■ ™ ■ Address: 1■ 1City: State: Zio: ^Photo Location: L

_

_

—

.

C hristian A ppalachian P roject, I nc.

C haritable Gift Annuity program W

o u l d y o u c o n s id e r m a k in g a g if t t o

the

C h r is t ia n A p p a l a c h ia n Pr o je c t a n d RECEIVING LIFE INCOME?

This is possible when you fund a CAP charitable gift annuity. A charitable gift annuity is an agree­ ment between you and CAP. In exchange fo r cash or other assets (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.) o f $2,500 or more, CAP guarantees to make fixed payments fo r the rest o f your life. Following your life, the assets remaining are used to fund the work o f CAP.

Advantages of a C h a r i t a b l e G if t A n n u i t y w i t h • • • •

CAP

Fixed payments for life.

A charitable income tax deduction the year the charitable gift annuity is funded.

A portion of each lifetime payment considered a tax-free return of principal.

An opportunity to make a significant commitment to the Christian Appalachian Project and enable us to help those less fortunate throughout Appalachia for years to come.

Please use the following information to calculate my charitable gift annuity Name (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss)___________________________________________________ Address City Telephone (

State i

Zip

Birthdate: Month

Amount of Gift Considered $___________________________ Frequency of Payment Desired: O Annual Q 2 times/year ($2,500 min)

Day

Year

Q 4 times/year [^Monthly ($5,000 min) ($10,000 min)

a y e s , I am interested in a Two-life Charitable Gift Annuity illustration.

Name of Second Beneficiary___________________________________ Birthdate___________________________ P lease C o m plete & Re t u r n t o :

Christian Appalachian Project Planned Giving Department P.O. Box 55911 Lexington, KY 40555

(All i n f o r m a t io n p r o v id e d is c o n f i d e n t i a l )

1-866-270-4CAP

15

around the project

Disaster Relief Aids Those Affected

by Kentucky Ice Storm

16

Thick ice was on trees, wires, roads, and more.

During the last week of January, Kentucky was hit by a very severe ice storm that caused thousands of power outages, water losses, car wrecks, tree damages, home damages, and people to be trapped indoors for a week or more. This was not the first time Kentucky has been hit by such a storm, but this one was more severe than expected. As a result, eastern Kentucky in particular was greatly affected. CAP’S Disaster Relief was there to aid those in need of repairs, food, clothing, shelter, and more.

Disaster Relief volunteers who helped came from places such as

Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Illinois, North Carolina, and many parts of Kentucky. Sherry Buresh, Assistant Director of the Disaster Relief Program, was pleased by the great response. Work crews included chainsaw crews, home repair crews, and case work volunteers in addition to all the CAP employees and volunteers who cooked for the Relief workers.

During the week of response, CAP assisted about forty households with either debris clean-up, chainsaw work, roof jobs, or other home repair (some major). One of the homes with major

destruction will become a WorkFest site in the spring.

At the request of the Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs), CAPs Disaster Relief provided cots, blankets, and supplies to shelters.

CAP also opened the new Jean White Respite Center as a shelter from the devastating ice storm. CAP plans to continue using the Respite Center as an official shelter for any future disasters.

Not only did CAP perform home repairs and aid shelters, but we also supplied water to those who were without. A 10-unit shower trailer was taken to western Kentucky. The effects of the storm were compounded in Letcher County by contamination to their water supply. CAP responded immediately to their request for water by delivering a semi-truck load that very same day.

Almost every county in Kentucky was impacted by the destructive storm. Fortunately, CAP was there to help. The effort to help those severely affected by the ice storm was definitely a CAP wide effort.

Disaster Relief workers repair the siding of a house.

around the proj ect

Disaster Relief workers cut fallen trees.

Damage caused by the ice storm.

17

around the project

EAGLE CHILDHOOD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT CENTER Earns a 4 STAR Rating

18

Eagle Child and Family Development Center earned a 4 STAR rating from STARS for Kids Now, a voluntary quality-rating program for early childhood programs in Kentucky.

Eagle CFDC shows off their 4 STARS.

STARS ratings are based on factors such as staff to child ratios, program curriculum, staff training, family involvement and staff working environment. A center must also be accredited by an approved national accrediting agency. Of approximately 2,500 licensed early childhood programs in Kentucky, only 15 have 4 STARS. Eagle CFDC is the only early childhood program in McCreary County that is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

A 4 STAR rating not only signifies the center as an outstanding facility, but also makes the program eligible for various incentives. Childcare professionals have access to college scholarship funds and the

program can secure additional assistance from specially trained personnel to further improve the program. Furthermore, Eagle CFDC will be eligible for assistance to help complete long-awaited projects such as a wheelchair ramp and bridge to allow access for disabled children to the “wooden climber.”

In close collaboration with the McCreary County School System, Christian Appalachian Project has been offering preschool programming to the children of northeastern McCreary County for 20 years.

Since the consolidation of county elementary schools in 2005, the child development center has blossomed into Eagle Community Center, offering high quality educational programs for all ages as well as emergency assistance, home repair, and programs for people with disabilities.

A wheelchair access has been built for kids.

A Look at W hat’s to Come for WorkFest 2009

WorkFest volunteers repair a roof.

Volunteers work on the siding of a house.

around the project

Many people in Appalachia live in homes with the most horrific conditions imaginable: no indoor plumbing, cardboard for windows, rotting floors, leaking roofs, no heat, and sometimes no electricity. It’s shocking that families in the 21st century in America live in such poverty and poor housing. Fortunately, CAP has been and is still fixing many of these problems.

Every year, the Christian Appalachian Project hosts an alternative Spring Break, or WorkFest, where hundreds of college students and other volunteers come to Appalachia for four weeks to participate in home repair. The students come from all over, including colleges such as: University of Florida-Gainesville, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of Cincinnati, Michigan State University, and even as far as the University of Oregon.

In total for WorkFest 2009, there will be 42 colleges helping out with the repair of several homes. CAP’s plan is to repair 16-20 homes during WorkFest this year.

As in the past, it is these volunteers that will restore hope to so many Appalachian families by providing them a more comfortable and safe place in which to live.

A volunteer hammers away.

19

In the mornings, Raul tutors first and second graders at Inez Elementary School. He focuses on the subject matter that they’re studying and has made presentations in science, music and anatomy. In addition to his degree in Classics, Raul completed general course work to continue pursuing a Nursing degree. His experience in the classroom, however, is making him seriously consider the pursuit of a degree in Education.

Raul, 23, was bom and lived in Cuba until the age of nine, when he moved to Florida with his family. He believes that the diversity of that community has given him the flexibility to adapt to the culture he has discovered in Martin County. “I see people for what they are and I respect the way people grow. But I’ve never traveled much outside of Florida, so there are new things here. I had never seen mountains or snow until I came to Kentucky.”

Raul enjoys meeting new people and says that the people he met during WorkFest were often shy at first. “But then they warmed up and we were more like family. The kids here are like that, too. I think I became like a family figure to them.”

In the afternoons, Raul works in the after­ school program, which offers activities to kids in kindergarten through third grade two days a week and fourth through sixth grade on two different days. The young people come after school, complete their homework and participate in activities that Raul plans. Some come for the extra help with homework, others just like the stmcture they wouldn’t get without the program.

About 30 children are enrolled in the program.

Some, Raul said, have been abused or come from dysfunctional families. “I like to know something about the kids because it helps me to understand their behavior.”

Raul lives in the volunteer house in adjoining Johnson County with 11 other long-term volunteers and short-term volunteers who come occasionally. “When I came, I just knew that I would be living in Kentucky. I didn’t know where I would be or what it would be like.”

He describes volunteer life as “challenging, but it’s all part of learning about yourself. Our house has become what each person is willing to contribute.”

Service as a counselor at Camp Andrew Jackson has been Raul’s favorite part of his volunteer experience and he plans to spend another summer at camp before completing his volunteer service. He has enjoyed meeting other volunteers who have spent many summers at camp and looks forward to seeing them again.

“We can all have an influence on these kids, when they have fun and you show that you’re interested in them.”

Raul realized the influence he was having several times over the course of the summer, he said. “It was cool to have a kid come to camp and know who I was because his brother or sister had been talking about me at home.”

Raul is just one of many CAP volunteers who are having an impact on the young people of eastern Kentucky through schools, camp and after-school activities. Raul will tell you, though, that those young people have influenced his life as much as he has influenced theirs.

a re

he M o u n ta in S p i r i t

With a

nen

of courage, d e v o t i o n a n d h o ^ True stories

/olume XXVII 2008 Summer

E agle ChM&

5urnm»rHjI Family 1

200»

irinal

Development

\tnpaHI Cent^ CAP

Celebrates -

In th is issue Volunteer Profile Ann Fairchild

in tHj

• Hat ,Ä_ Pt in » Ca'h"^ » ^ I Disast I »G wonor* 'n9k D ¡The' N/otoh

I J

Book ReviewKentucky’s Everyday Heroes, Steve Flairty I

Eaqle Child & Family Development C enter

His/Her Information Name (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss) Address

Mail this form to: Christian Appalachian Project, P.O. Box 55911, Lexington, KY 40555 and The Mountain Spirit will be sent to a friend. ~OR~ Call: 1-866-270-4CAP (4227)

Send me your Annual Giving Catalog today!

Call 1-866-270-4227 or visit GAP's website at www.christianapp.org

Yes, I would like to have the Annual Giving Catalog sent to me!

Name (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss)_____________________________________ __________________________ Address__________________________________________ _______________________________________ City____________________________________State_____________________________ Zip____________ E-mail:_____________________________________________ _____________________________________

And...l would like the Annual Giving Catalog sent to a friend!

Name (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss)_________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________State_____________________________ Zip____________ E-mail:____________________________________

Mail this form to: Christian Appalachian Project, P.O. Box 55911, Lexington, KY 40555 to receive your Annual Giving Catalog.

8.

23

Troublesome CREEK A (Boo^(Review 6y %atfiy Jofinica

W r it e r s4 ? G u i l d

■-A.1 '

troublesome <^

/-i ttttt.'fil r

, R E E K ■mpgRT JERRY R JE N K iN ^ :r -v :

W inner of the 2004 C h r is t ia n W r it e r s G u il d O peration F irst Novel Contest

Life in the late 1800’s may seem far removed from our world today, but in the novel Troublesome Creek we are transported to long ago eastern Kentucky on the spot. Vivid descriptions of the rugged beauty of Appalachia and compelling characters make this book hard to put down.

Author Jan Watson introduces us to teenage spitfire Laura Grace Brown and her family. When she was an infant, her mother Julie was washed away in a flash flood. Her father, Will, realizes he can only depend on the goodness of others for a short time for help with his baby girl. He decides to go to the big city of Lexington to try and persuade Julie’s older sister Grace to come with him to Troublesome and help raise her niece.

The proper, ladylike Grace is reluctant at first.

But Will persists and she finally agrees to go back with him on two conditions: she will only commit to go for one year, and they have to be married. Because how would it look if a lady of her stature and social circle left town with an unmarried man? But unknown to Will, her plan is to marry in name only and stay the year, then bring the baby back to Lexington with her. After a hasty wedding they head out for eastern Kentucky.

Life in the mountains is not easy, especially for the citified Grace. But she holds up her end of the bargain and before long comes to care deeply for the baby.

Months pass and Grace’s resolve to return to Lexington slowly fades. Will Brown is such a kind and gentle man that she falls in love with him in spite of herself. If there is any thought of going back home, it is cast aside when their twin sons, Daniel and Willy, are bom.

Laura Grace comes to be called “Copper” because her hair shines “like a newly minted penny.” She loves being outdoors and barefoot. This dismays her stepmother, “Mam”, who is determined to raise Laura Grace to be a refined young lady.

Mam has designs on sending her to a Philadelphia boarding school for a proper education and an introduction into a world past the confines of the creek.

But Copper gets wind of her plan and vows to mn off and hide before leaving her much-loved mountain home.

There are intriguing, unexpected plot twists throughout. We meet the folks that live on the creek—a host of wonderful people you can’t help but fall in love with.

Copper’s best friend is John Pelfrey. She and John, growing up close as kin, have always explored their world together. He calls her “Pest” but tells her he’s going to marry her, which Copper thinks would just ruin everything. But after John officially starts sparking by calling on her in the evenings, Copper must deal with her tme feelings.

Things get really complicated when Dr. Simon Corbett comes to Troublesome Creek. He’s just in town to check on an elderly relative, but is called to help with a medical emergency at the Browns’ home. Even though he is one of the most eligible bachelors in Lexington, he’s instantly smitten by the aubum-haired Copper Brown.

From one adventure to another, we are drawn into the happenings of the novel. The author has a gift for storytelling and for creating unforgettable characters that surprise us page after page. She also paints pictures of the scenes that make us wish we were there on the mountainside with Copper and John and the whole family.

Troublesome Creek gives us a remarkable insight into the day to day workings of mountain life in the late nineteenth century. Information about tasks such as making apple butter, doing the wash and even treating snakebite is detailed and quite interesting.

The strong faith of the people is evident in their daily lives. They live their faith, depending on God for His care and provision. Folks living in Appalachia at that time, just as they are today, were resourceful, proud, hardworking and fiercely loyal.

Jan Watson won the Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest with this book. Jerry Jenkins, president of the guild and co-writer of the New York Times best sellers Left Behind series, chose Jan as the winner.

In the foreword, written by Mr. Jenkins, he was right on target when he said—“Prepare to be captured by the denizens of Troublesome Creek... ” 25

Fofks Civing in J4ppafachia a t th a t time, ju s t as

are today, were resourcej

proud, hardworking a n d \ercefy Coyaf.

Chocolate Gravy

Appalachian Trail Cookies

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup shortening

3 Tbsp. cocoa

1/4 cup unsalted butter

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

3 Tbsp. flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 cups milk

1 large egg

3 Tbsp. butter or margarine

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1 tsp. vanilla

3/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. pastry flour

Using a heavy saucepan (an mix dry ingredients together until no lumps are seen. Add enough of the milk to make a paste, then add the remainder of the milk; mix well then add the margarine. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Add vanilla immediately upon removing from heat and stir with a wire whisk to make gravy nice and smooth. If gravy is too thick, add milk or water until you get the desired thickness. Serve immediately over hot biscuits.

Also very good over pancakes.

pinch of salt pinch of baking soda pinch of ground cinnamon 2 cups old-fashioned oats 1/2 cup raisins 1/3 cup roasted unsalted peanuts 1/3 cup M&M candies

Blend shortening, butter, brown sugar and sugar.

Add egg and mix well. Add coconut, flour, salt, Recipe by Connie Johnson o f Elkton, KY baking soda and cinnamon. Mix only until blended.

Fold in oats by hand, then mix in raisins, peanuts and M&M’s. Spoon out in equal portions on parchment lined baking pan. Bake at 360 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Makes two dozen.

Fried Green Tomatoes 1 cup flour 1 cup white cornmeal 4 green tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick Salt, pepper, or cayenne (to taste)

Salt and pepper tomato slices. Coat both sides of your tomato in flour/cornmeal mixture and saute over medium heat in a cast iron skillet til brown.

Hushpuppies

Appalachian Cornbread

1 cup self-rising flour

1 cup flour 1 cup cornmeal 2 Tbsp. sugar 4 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1 cup milk 1/4 cup oil (or melted lard) 1 egg, beaten

1 cup self-rising cornmeal 1 cup buttermilk 1/2 tsp. salt (optional) 1 egg beaten 1/2 cup chopped green onion 1 tsp. sugar Combine dry ingredients. Add egg, onions, and 1/2 cup buttermilk to flour/cornmeal mixture. Gradually add remaining buttermilk until batter is well mixed, but not runny. Drop spoonfuls of batter into a fry kettle and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

>0/L-paw

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Put about a tablespoon of bacon drippings into an 8x8 pan, and put the pan in the oven to get hot. In medium bowl combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in remaining ingredients, beating by hand, JUST until smooth. (Batter will be lumpy.) Pour batter into prepared, heated pan or skillet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Invert onto cutting board, cut and serve.

a/ ^uuaute' leclpe' ipau mould/ like; ta sha/ies? s o , send' Li/ toy IA&'

Christian Appalachian Project, Publications Department, P.O. Box 55911, Lexington, KY 40555_______

GOD'S PERFECT PEACE Life brings us many reasons to worry.

We tend to go around in a scurry.

We live in a world full of evil, So there are many times of upheaval.

We can sure lose sleep with all the stress; Head and gut hurt, making our lives a mess.

Satan wants to use our cares to destroy.

Take all your cares to the Lord and have joy.

A e it t e e BIT OF e o v e There’s a little bit of heaven In every bit of love That’s bringing human hearts In tune with heaven above.

That little ray of light That lighteth every man Is but a ray of love, From heaven where love began.

A little bit of love This world too sadly needs— A little bit of love As shown by kindly deeds.

O, cherish them with care The little bits of love That light our way below And lead to heaven above.

Cecil Shrock Colcord, OK

With our Heavenly Father in control, Away all our burdens and cares will roll.

He knows our every need and will appease.

We surrender all and have perfect peace.

Sharon DuMond Salem, OR

ON THE WINGS OF THE MORNING On the wings of the morning Is where I see God’s grace With His beautiful mountains And His effortless blue skies A picture painted by God’s embrace I’m thankful for all this beauty That surrounds me in a magnificent way There’s no promise of tomorrow So I’m living my life for today So i’ll take the wings of the mornings And thank God for setting me in this wonderful place!

B.J. Snow Watertown, TN

28

WINTER WONDERLAND I walked out through the woods today To take a look at ice and snow But where I sought the usual way ‘Twas plain to see I could not go The oaks, whose leaves had blown aground, And pines, whose odor fills the air Were all encased with ice around, And, bending over, everywhere

SPRING The first seasonal cycle wraps the orb in its yeast, Nurturing the firmament, insect, flora and beast.

Tenderly culling all in its motherly palm, Gifting rejuvenation and cadence in a planetary psalm!

Provocative jasmine scents caress the Spring breeze, Glowing emerald leaves festoon the swaying trees.

Creation’s love and celebration are seen everywhere, Romantic rhythms entice hearts young and fair!

Abstructed paths of man and beast So that, to wind the forest way, I had to trample on where least A man would go the usual day

Streams revived by melting snow skip over rocks and slurp, Joining the matrix ocean with noisy satisfied burp.

The universe quickens and frothy sea waves roll, Fish are spawning and eternity touches earth’s soul!

The bushes, arms all bending low With myriad crystals on each stem Were gently swaying to and fro

Rain softens soil readying it for planting grain, A wish for abundant harvest defines the farmer’s refrain.

Frolic and passion spark this occasion’s goals, Forest animals return to their watering-holes!

Presenting each its diadem Of glory which had been applied By the creator, so that we Who thus take time to turn aside Pay homage to His majesty.

Nature uses it inherent spiritual synergy, Birthing Spring by its union with earthly energy.

Primal life derives excellence from its utmost care, Even wild field flowers sport a beauty so rare!

I’d rather follow up the storm And learn of sky, and sea, and earth Than stay inside where it is warm To toast my shins beside the hearth.

This Spring resurrection may it on us chance, Coaxing serene divinity our spirits to enhance.

Staying near till our destiny’s end is close, Enfolding us only in love and no remorse!

Amos Tilton Sycamore, IL

Louisa de Sa Seal Beach, CA

W e w o u ld lo v e to h e a r fro m you!

Please send us your poetry, with permission to print in an upcoming issue of The Mountain Spirit.

30

ZPB9JI|X [njsjBjr) *¿ >|33.i3 '9 33B.1 9 -ç issjqjOM -p gujipA uy-f pe 3.1qu.103 *3 ssiddndqsnH -\

,1 l l. V - A l <; U S T

1

s

Our-

Past...

E x c e rp ts from the

July - August 1998 Mountain Spirit

In this issue of The Mountain Spirit: • The challenge of health care in Appalachia is addressed. Is it or isn’t it adequate?

CAP’S Community Health Advocates

The Public Health Department Excerpt from cover story, by Beth Dotson featured in this 1998 issue

[The people] who run health departments look at their individual communities to determine in what areas they should be working and they set out to create an atmosphere that welcomes people in their care.

Often, it is children who prompt their parents to have a first encounter with the health department. Health departments have traditionally offered pre-natal care, well-child checkups, immunizations, physicals for school and other basic services for children...

Once the parents come into a health department with their

children, the staff learns about the entire family and, therefore, can also address their other needs...such as diabetes counseling, testing for STDs, testing for tuberculosis, performing pap smears and breast exams, and offering counseling for high blood pressure, cholesterol and other health concerns...

Health departments also look into health issues such as rabies, rodents, playground safety, food safety and sewage disposal. Departments have environmentalists on staff to work in these areas.

• CAP sponsors Partnership Seminar at Hazard Community College • CAP, who traditionally builds safe, affordable housing through repairs, proposes a partnership with the Appalachian Development Company, Inc. and banks to enable families to secure low-interest mortgages on new homes.