February 5, 2009 Issue
Nominees Announced for First-Ever Great Friend to Families Award
Award Luncheon Scheduled for February 27
“We are just delighted with the response,” said Playhouse Executive Director Kathy Parham as she announced that the nonprofit children’s museum received 15 nominations for the first-ever Great Friend to Families Award.
“These are people who have labored for families without thought of recognition, and we are thrilled to give them some of the appreciation they deserve,” said Playhouse President Megan Ellis.
The nominees are Laurie Cimino (Health Department/WIC program nutritionist), Lindsay Cobb (children’s sports coach), Doug Galke (Children’s Developmental Services Agency), Kaaren Hayes (director of Parent to Parent/Family Support Network of the High Country), Karen James (community volunteer at Sugar Grove Developmental Day School and others), Karee Mackey (4-H), Todd Nolt (Mountain Alliance), Sherrie Norris (reporter, community volunteer), Jane Penley (community volunteer), Denise Presnell (school social worker), Jan Rienerth (co-founder of Western Youth Network), Robin Triplett (parent educator, Parents as Teachers), Mary Willis (preschool teacher, community volunteer), and Judith Winecoff (children’s librarian, Watauga County Library).
This award will recognize sustained contributions by an individual to the well being of young children and their families in the High Country area. The award winner will receive a piece of art by local glassblower Glen Randle and $500 to donate to the High Country charity of his/her choice.
A distinguished committee of local leaders will choose the winner: Town Council member and local businesswoman Liz Aycock, Chamber of Commerce President Dan Meyer and Margaret Moore, retired teacher and wife of ASU coach Jerry Moore. Said Moore, “I feel very honored to be asked to do this.” Meyer commented that the number of nominees was a great response for a new award, but quipped, “Why should we be surprised!” because this community is rich with people willing to help others.
The award will be presented at a luncheon on Friday, February 27, at the High Country Home Builder’s Plaza on the 105 Bypass from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. All nominees will be recognized at the event.
Sheri Lynch, co-anchor of the popular Bob and Sheri Show and author of two books based on her parenting experiences, will speak at The Children’s Playhouse Great Friend to Families Award luncheon on Friday, February 27.
The luncheon will feature a speech by Sheri Lynch of Charlotte’s the LINK Radio Network. Co-anchor of the popular Bob and Sheri Show, a morning radio program heard on more than 50 radio stations across the United States, Lynch has earned many professional honors. In 2002 and 2005, she received the American Women in Radio and Television’s (AWRT) highest honor, the Gracie Allen Award, in recognition of her outstanding achievement in the realistic portrayal of women in media. She is the author of two books about her parenting experiences—Hello, My Name is Mommy and Be Happy, Or I’ll Scream!—both published by St. Martin’s Press.
The luncheon will also include a silent auction to raise funds to support family resource services at The Children’s Playhouse, including scholarship memberships for low-income families and low-cost parenting classes.
The Great Friend to Families award is sponsored by First Citizens Bank; Earth Fare; Adult and Child Orthodontists and Pediatric Dentists Drs. Mayhew, Scheffler, Hardaway, and Conn; High Country Home Builders Association; and Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation.
Tickets for the luncheon are $20 and available online at www.goplayhouse.org or in person at First Citizens Bank, Earth Fare and The Children’s Playhouse at 400 Tracy Circle in Boone. For more info, call 828-263-0011.
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