Week of January 25, 2010

A few final shots of our MLK Jr. Day celebration. There are lots more on the CFS website at http://www.cfsnc.org/. Above, you can see the elder dancers who danced Lumban, the welcome.

You really need to hear this story. Baba Chuck wanted one of our Upper School dancers to be the Emissary of Peace in the final dance. He was very clear that the identity of this dancer must be kept secret and that he needed 2 male dressers who could also keep the secret. I asked Shane and Andrew if they would be willing to be the dressers. They willingly agreed and understood that they would have to arrive early (7am) on Monday to learn how to dress the secret dancer. None of us (except for Baba Chuck) realized until Monday morning that they would also be in costume and dancing! As Baba Chuck explained the drill to them and showed them their costumes, neither Shane nor Andrew blinked an eye. They followed their instructions and did an amazing job as welcomers and presenters of the Emissary of Peace. These young men are such fine examples of students who are open to new experiences, respectful of their elders, and cheerful in the face of fear! After all, at the last minute, they performed in front of the largest crowd that has ever attended an event in the gym. Thank you, Shane, Andrew, and our Emissary of Peace! (Photo above)

Annie and I are sharing a final hug with Baba Chuck Davis and one of his amazing dancers, Toya. CFS principal, Mike Hanas, looked oh, so festive in his African garb, as did Alex Gordon who danced with the elders.

IMPROV SHOW

You are invited to attend our annual Improv Show this Thursday and Saturday, January 28 and 30 at 7:30pm in the Meeting Hall. Teachers Guillermo and Shane (of dancing fame!) have assured me that this performance is family friendly. Shane also tells me that you might want to attend both performances, as each, by design, will be unique and different. If you are in the mood to laugh and enjoy the company of an audience of happy people, come on out for our Improv Show on Thursday and Saturday!

COOKING CLASS

Frances and her class of cooks have worked hard throughout the term to learn about nutrition and to share their knowledge with the rest of us. I am only too happy to be one of the recipients. This class meets twice a week. On Tuesday, they shop and make preparations. On Thursday, they cook and then sell their delicious food at a very reasonable rate during lunch. Last week, we enjoyed a choice of 2 vegetable soups and homemade corn bread for $2. The previous week, we had vegetable chili and fresh-made soda bread.

SPECIAL THANKS

Frances's sewing class sewed the dance costumes for the elders. Each dancer brought in a sheet. Frances and her students created skirts, tops, and headdresses for each of us. Then, Amelia and her Yarn Arts students tie-dyed the costumes, making the dancers oh, so colorful. Techies Neal and Eric quietly and unassumingly gave their time to our celebration by running the sound, which included 3 microphones and an audio clip by Martin Luther King, Jr. Dylan and his service classes (along with John, Terry, and David) worked tirelessly, laying the floor in the gym and setting up the risers and 500 chairs. The boys varsity basketball team then took it all down on Monday afternoon. Thanks to all who contrubuted to our MLK Jr. Celebration!