Multiple Blessings at Tamassee

May and June are typically busy months for getting married, graduating or celebrating anniversaries and birthdays — or just celebrating because summer is almost here. At Tamassee, the past few weeks have been a whirlwind of preparation and activities for our 90th birthday party, but there have been many, many other milestones to note and share with you.

This month, I had the privilege of meeting a delightful group of ladies who call themselves the Community Quilters of Walhalla. They work hard all year long to make beautiful hand-designed and lovingly constructed quilts, all destined to be given away to make someone else happy. They are a congenial and compassionate group of women who organized their talents and skills after the Katrina disaster to provide quilts for those who had lost all possessions. Tamassee was chosen as one of the recipient charities this year. I met them at St, Francis Catholic Church in Walhalla one rainy afternoon to receive quilts for our teenage girls and some of our younger children. The kindness and graciousness they share through their creative work touched me, and we thank them for giving our children such beautiful quilts to call their very own.

Another act of kindness, which both amazed and delighted everyone at Tamassee, was the work of one single young man from Indiana. Steven Weaver adopted Tamassee DAR School as his service project this year and single-handedly raised over $4,000 to donate to the children. Steven is a member of Children of the American Revolution (a group related to the Daughters of the American Revolution). Through his hard work, he has illustrated how helping others, particularly other children, can be a valued reward in itself.

The Tamassee Learning Center (TLC) is up and running as of this week. One of the most popular activities was the stomp/rhythm class. The children enthusiastically entered into the theory of creating rhythm using only a table and their hands. Another favorite was a nature hike on the Tamassee cross-country trail. Other activities scheduled are aerobics, art and computer classes, self-esteem classes, choir, gym and water activities.

We were also pleased to be chosen again this year as one of the volunteer groups to help with the Bi-Lo Charity Golf Classic. The weather was spectacular and the day picture perfect to help out at one of the area's many beautiful courses, The Reserve. Even though the Upstate has been hit hard by the recession, the charity event exceeded its goal.

Another noteworthy event was a 90th birthday party thrown for Tamassee's students in our dining hall by Gary and Sam Stephens of Upstate Insurance. The kids were treated to Subway sandwiches, birthday cake and Tamassee T-shirts.

And, of course, I have to mention how thankful we are that Tamassee was blessed by a perfect day on May 30 for its community-wide celebration of 90 years of helping children. Using very unscientific methods, we believe that Tamassee hosted between 850-1,000 visitors to both the campus and the Tamassee Thrift Store. It would be hard to pick the best part of the day, so I won't even try. We do appreciate WGOG making the day extra special for us. So many people to thank, and we are thankful for each of our friends who either helped, attended or gave support in some way.

We are sad to report that we will be losing our campus life coordinator, Rachel Anderson, who will be leaving us for a 3-year ministry trip. However, every parting is bittersweet, and we are pleased to welcome our new coordinator, Jennifer Lassausaie, a Pickens county native who comes to Tamassee with a Masters degree in education.

With the 4th of July holiday fast approaching, I have a feeling that life will continue on the fast track at Tamassee DAR School!