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TIME TO TAP:
Celebrating 20 Years
By: Holli Melancon
When the Thompson-Pound Art Program (TAP) started in 1995, organizers thought it would be a one-time event to celebrate the life and hope of Dr. Tom Thompson. Instead, this June, TAP will celebrate its 20th year.
TAP, offered in both Columbus and LaGrange, is a week-long summer arts program that brings together children from diverse racial, religious and economic backgrounds in hopes of fostering unity.
“If we can reach young children before their prejudices get too ingrained, we have hope for a more peaceful world,” said Debbie Anderson, who has been the Director of Columbus TAP for the last 13 years.
Debbie had just moved to Columbus from Milwaukee, WI when she was approached by Michelle Waddell, the first director of TAP. She had previously been involved in an adult group working to foster unity among religions.
“The idea of a program for children that was interested in learning about other religions was exciting. I didn’t expect to find that in Columbus, GA,” she said. “ Teaching tolerance is not what the “South” is known for. So I would say that for TAP to survive for 20 years, speaks to the commitment and dedication of those in Columbus and surrounding areas who see the value in diversity and what it brings to our community.”
This year, TAP will build upon the themes of the past 20.
“ We will start with a more personal inward focus and gradually move to ideas that remind us of our place in the world as stewards of the earth’s resources, of our connection to God in many forms, and our motivation to be peacemakers as we live our lives. We have looked at tolerance through so many ideas over the last 20 years—such a wealth of experiences in the curriculum we have developed. I know these are big ideas and that as adults, we have a hard time wrapping our heads around them. The children who come to TAP seem to pick it up naturally and find acceptance and safety in sharing their experiences,” Debbie said.
TAP applications are currently available for both Columbus and LaGrange. TAP in Columbus will be held on June 22-26 and in Troup TAP will take place July 20-24.
The Troup TAP theme is “Shine On: Be the One to Stand Out from the Crowd.”
Please contact CVEM at 706.327.0400 or info@cvemjubilee.org if you are interested in sending your child or being a part of such a monumental year for TAP.
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Vicky Partin receives national honors + an invitation to celebrate with her!
By: Holli Melancon
Lay Missioner and CVEM Co-Founder Vicky Partin has received significant recognition at the national and state level, and you’re invited to celebrate her achievements.
On May 6, Vicky will be awarded the Small Business Humanitarian of the Year in Washington D.C. at the Thirty-Second Congressional Awards Reception.
The SBCA’s Humanitarian of the Year Award has been given annually since 2003 to one recipient in the country who is “clearly committed to making the world a better place for people in need.”
Vicky was nominated for the award by Mort Harris, an attorney with Hatcher Stubbs and co-founder of the Small Business Council of America. Mort first met Vicky 25 years ago, when he and his wife were looking for people to donate baskets of food and small toys for children around the holidays.
“ Vicky would give us the list of people, the families and tell us why they were deserving,” he said.
It wasn’t until Vicky’s retirement celebration of last year that Mort realized just how much she had done in her 34 years of ministry.
“When it came time for (nominations for the award) I thought, ‘Well, she’s perfect,’ and so I nominated her,” he said.
Vicky was also honored with the Georgia Legislative Women’s Caucus Servant Leadership Award in March. The award is presented during March to commemorate Women’s History Month and given to women throughout the state who provide invaluable service to their communities. She was nominated by State Rep. Debbie Buckner.
CVEM will hold an open house on Sunday May 17 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to celebrate Vicky and her achievements. Please stop by 1120 Lockwood Avenue and congratulate her!
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A Closer Look at CVEM's 2015 Board
By: Martha Robert
CVEM’s 2015 Board of Directors is hard at work and has already proven to be a dedicated group. Because of newly effective by-laws, it’s also a “leaner” board--15 members (formerly 26); and there’s a good mix of new board members and seasoned veterans.
Four representatives are serving on the board for the first time. Two are a year or two into their first term. One board member has been actively involved in the ministry since its beginning in 1980. There are board members actively involved in each of our current programs. All board members generously volunteer their time and talents not only at CVEM but in their home parishes and communities as well. In the past three months, our volunteer board members have been putting in extra hours. In addition to performing its routine duties, the board has been working on the details of CVEM’s strategic direction.
This work specifically will inform the search for a permanent director and the future work of the ministry.
Please take the time to speak with your parish’s CVEM representative. We want you to know what’s happening at CVEM and we want to hear from you—what are the needs in your community? How can we partner to appropriately and effectively respond to those needs?
St. John’s, West Point
-Rita Mullenix
St. Mark’s, LaGrange
-Mary Lou Dabbs
St. Mary Magdalene’s, Columbus
-Agnes Shelton
-June Ingram
St. Matthew’s in-the-Pines, Seale, AL
-Ginia McPhearson
St. Nicholas, Hamilton
-Diane Hinnant
St. Stephen’s, Smiths Station
-Mandy Ochoa
-Jean Taylor
St. Thomas, Columbus
-Malinda Shamburger
-Becca Nicholson
-Jennifer Gray
-Mitch Grossman
The Rev. Grace Burton-Edwards*
Trinity, Columbus
-Peggy Augustine
-Mollie Smith
-The Rev. Nick Hull
*serves as spiritual director for the board and is a non-voting member
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SHORTTAKES
BIG 4 BEALLWOOD
NeighborWorks Columbus, a local nonprofit that promotes access to fit and affordable housing, is spearheading a major revitalization project in Beallwood this summer.
The Beallwood Community and CVEM have a long history, where CVEM helped co-found the Beallwood Area Neighborhood Development Inc. (B.AN.D.), lead initiatives to take back the streets from drugs, rezone property that had been zoned commercial without resident consent and bring life to the area.
NeighborWorks and Columbus Area Habitat have both built several houses in the area, and CVEM is excited for such a big project to take place in this wonderful community.
Big 4 Beallwood, as the revitalization effort is called, will involve collaboration between NeighborWorks, Habitat and TEAMeffort.
TEAMeffort is an agency that sends youth groups from around the country to complete moderate home revitalization projects; each week, around 50-75 different young people will be in Columbus for this undertaking, which will kick off June 8.
At the same time, NeighborWorks and Habitat for Humanity will be building new homes in the area. We will keep you posted of future volunteer opportunities with these projects.
TRINITY'S CLOTHES CLOSET IN NEED OF DONATIONS
The Clothes Closet at Trinity Episcopal Church is in need of donations of men’s clothing. They are taking men’s belts, shoes, jeans and t-shirts of all sizes and ladies plus sizes (16 or 2x and higher).
The ministry accepts clothing and shoes for men, women and children of all sizes, but men’s and plus size women are the greatest need right now. They also accept donations of toiletries and toilet paper.
All clothing should be clean, folded and on hangers, and undergarmets must be new. All seasons of clothes are accepted at anytime of the year. Monetary donations can also be made, as they are able to shop for items that they do not have in stock.
Donations can be delivered to Trinity during their regular business hours. For more information contact the parish office at 706.322.5569 or Sarah Riddick at frasarac@bellsouth.net.
ST. THOMAS LABYRINTH
The labyrinth, located at the entrance to St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Hilton Avenue, has been renovated and was blessed in a special Litany on March 4. The 60-foot wide sacred path lies under a canopy of trees and provides a quiet place to meditate, walk, or just recoup. A small box near the entrance to the path provides several prayers and meditations for the taking. This labyrinth, the only public one in Columbus, was established by Barbara Thompson Danner in 2001, and was meant to be open for the entire community anytime during the day. Call Vicky Partin (706-575-2154) to plan a group experience or offer suggestions.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
St. Matthew’s-in-the-Pines Rector the Rev. Donna Gafford celebrated the 30th anniversary of her ordination to the priesthood on April 17. Congratulations Donna!
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