Benefit tomorrow night

The 7th annual Benefit, which is called the John Prine Birthday Tribute, will be held tomorrow night at 6 Pence Pub here in Parkersburg, starting at 9 pm. A $5 donation is collected, to support the work of CHS in the Parkersburg area. Local musicians are all geared up to perform, donating their time for this cause. They show a lot of enthusiasm to participate, rehearsing their songs for weeks, working on set lists that they think will be unique and tailored to the show. I try to work up some between sets contests or stories, and we are always seeking little side fund raisers, like 50-50 drawings to liven things up. I make some great connections both in the community and across the country from these Americana Music Tribute shows that we put on throughout the year, and over the years. This year a woman from Wisconsin contacted me, through John PRine's fan website, (www.jpshrine.org) and donated some very nice jewelry she makes, all on the theme of John PRine lyrics. This was an exciting morale boost, to be contact from across the country by a fellow John Prine fan. I have also struck up a connection with John Prine's great sideman, guitarist, and singer-songwriter in his own right, Jason Wilber. He has come to do a house concert/ coffee house for us here in Parkersburg. Several of the musicians tomorrow night will be telling stories about encounters with John Prine and people connected to him. I'll be giving a report following this guaranteed to be fun event.

Glasser Group (as we are regularly calling it now)

Last night we re-convened what we try to have as our monthly group, using William Glasser's concepts and work to help guide a group of folks gathered to improve their lives, relationships, choice-making. This was a good size group last night, and we discussed the differences between "external control" and choice theory. There was a page of contrasting approaches to different ways of interacting or conducting one's life. The participants reflected on different sets of contrasting approaches, and how they see them in their lives, and what the different impacts they tend to have. This was a good mix of youth and adults, and (hopefully) everyone got something out of it, and felt listened to, and taken into account.

Thanks to all those who helped out with the Shine N Dine

First and foremost, thanks to Lisa Doyle Parsons for all her organizing efforts for the fund raiser for our Runaway and Homeless Youth programs. And for her creativity and enthusiasm. Shelter staff, most notably: Melvin, Noah, and Izzy, and Matt and Phil for playing in the band. The other staff who brought the kids, and the shelter youth for helping serve the food. The community office staff: Lisa, Shelley, Ashley for pitching in with the event. And the youth volunteers: Shelby, Randi, Adam, Luke, Charlie. This was a team effort which Lisa appreciated greatly. Thanks to all the folks who came out to get a car wash, eat some great food, listen to some music, all on a fantastic fall day.

Cookie Glasser visits our site

We had a fantastic visit from a board member of CHS on Friday. Cookie Glasser spent a considerable amount of time, really finding out about our site's programs, and our community engagement. She took the time to meet many staff members, and shared personal experiences about the agency, and her own career. This was a very uplifting experience for us, and bolstered us, on an otherwise, tired and exhausted Friday, from a busy week of fulfilling our mission!

Shine N Dine - great fun- if exhausting......

We pulled off this new multi-faceted event yesterday with great fall weather making it very memorable. The car washing went on steadily throughout the afternoon with Shelby and Randi doing main work, and many others helping out. Melvin DID man the grill, and had some help in the food department by several other agency staff. The music was steady and solid throughout the afternoon, with 4 musical acts donating their time to put on some intense performances. Reign of Ash, Troika, Severed Chains and (we consider him "our own") Nick Barry. It got a little raccous at times, but it kept the spirit of the event going. There were a hard working core of staff members and volunteers that made it all work; led by Lisa Doyle Parsons. The event made a little over $300, as we sort out a few expenses, and such. We hope it raised awareness of our runaway and homeless youth programs, and brought some loyal supporters out.

Take a Flower to Child Care Day

October 20, is this year's Take a Flower to Child Care Day across West Virginia. Organized by the KIDS COUNT statewide, they encourage those in local communities to recognize child care providers by honoring them for their work with our precious children. Last year we were heavily involved in the planning of this day locally, this year we will see what other interest and commitment there is in the community to celebrate this fun day.

Glasser Group- next session October 8th

We have gone a few extra weeks since our last support group (based on the work of William Glasser). The next session is next Thursday, October 8th at 6 pm here at the 3rd door down of the Mid Town Family Resource Center. We have held these groups with a intriguing array of attendees, and are still considering it in the formative stage.
We try to cover on of Glasser's concepts each week with an activity and discussion. This allows people to come in at any part of the group's meeting sequence, and allows us to further explore the combination of attendees, and how they can get the most out of it.