Paris, Tenn.–At the Cow Patty Poop-ArOma from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 18, at Atkins Porter Recreation Center and Dog Park, WHEN the cow goes is a really big deal. The event benefits Project Bridge, a new literacy support initiative in Henry County to help youngsters.
On Saturday, part of the yard area at Atkins Porter will be converted into a grid of numbered squares, and the cow in question will need to “go” … But when and where that cow goes … THAT is the question. Fundraiser benefactors who give $100 per square will be hoping that “Cow Patty” decides to dump on their particular square … and if Patty cooperates, the owner/s of that square receives $1500. Three cows will be released at noon and if no cow has pooped by 3, a winner will be drawn from those who purchased squares.
While Patty determines (or nature calls) when and where to let loose, there will be games, face painting and bouncy houses for kids, vendors of craft and specialty items inside the building, a historic firetruck to admire and explore,a BPU to climb, live music and entertainment, food and all kinds of fun happening in and around Atkins Porter Gym and Dog Park. Tim Brannon will be the emcee.
Project Bridge is an initiative from the 19 United Methodist Churches in Henry County, spearheaded by Pastor Leah Howe (Puryear and Buchanan UMCs) and Jane Etheridge of Paris First UMC. Project Bridge is a literacy support and faith/character development effort to help rising first, second and third graders keep momentum between the end of the spring semester and the beginning of fall, building a bridge of learning and support for kids who need it.
“Hope for future successes in life depends so much on good reading skills,” Etheridge said, “and we believe this program will build a bridge of hope for Henry County kids.” Howe said that this effort is about reading and much more. She explains, “While we are supporting these children in developing excellent reading skills, we’re also encouraging them to grow in faith and character. God’s best dreams for these kids involve influencing their whole lives, not just one part.” Project Bridge will be led by interns and volunteers at Trinity UMC from June 17 to July 26, Monday – Thursday mornings from 9 until noon.
Project Bridge is seeking volunteers to help Henry County kids. During Project Bridge volunteers are needed to assist children with reading for forty-five minutes every Monday – Thursday morning. Helpers can commit to all twenty-three program days or just certain days and times the helper is available. There will be snacks each day, recreation and Bible lessons, curriculum from Reading A-Z and Love in a Big World … and much more. Dedicated volunteers can come make a difference in the life of a child.
To buy a square, to register as a vendor, help at the May 18 event or volunteer with Project Bridge, contact ProjectBridge19@gmail.com or call Trinity UMC (the host location for Project Bridge) at 731-642-3427. Tickets for squares are also available at Merison’s, Jack’s Java and the Paris First United Methodist Church office.
Photo by Shannon McFarlin
On Saturday, part of the yard area at Atkins Porter will be converted into a grid of numbered squares, and the cow in question will need to “go” … But when and where that cow goes … THAT is the question. Fundraiser benefactors who give $100 per square will be hoping that “Cow Patty” decides to dump on their particular square … and if Patty cooperates, the owner/s of that square receives $1500. Three cows will be released at noon and if no cow has pooped by 3, a winner will be drawn from those who purchased squares.
While Patty determines (or nature calls) when and where to let loose, there will be games, face painting and bouncy houses for kids, vendors of craft and specialty items inside the building, a historic firetruck to admire and explore,a BPU to climb, live music and entertainment, food and all kinds of fun happening in and around Atkins Porter Gym and Dog Park. Tim Brannon will be the emcee.
Project Bridge is an initiative from the 19 United Methodist Churches in Henry County, spearheaded by Pastor Leah Howe (Puryear and Buchanan UMCs) and Jane Etheridge of Paris First UMC. Project Bridge is a literacy support and faith/character development effort to help rising first, second and third graders keep momentum between the end of the spring semester and the beginning of fall, building a bridge of learning and support for kids who need it.
“Hope for future successes in life depends so much on good reading skills,” Etheridge said, “and we believe this program will build a bridge of hope for Henry County kids.” Howe said that this effort is about reading and much more. She explains, “While we are supporting these children in developing excellent reading skills, we’re also encouraging them to grow in faith and character. God’s best dreams for these kids involve influencing their whole lives, not just one part.” Project Bridge will be led by interns and volunteers at Trinity UMC from June 17 to July 26, Monday – Thursday mornings from 9 until noon.
Project Bridge is seeking volunteers to help Henry County kids. During Project Bridge volunteers are needed to assist children with reading for forty-five minutes every Monday – Thursday morning. Helpers can commit to all twenty-three program days or just certain days and times the helper is available. There will be snacks each day, recreation and Bible lessons, curriculum from Reading A-Z and Love in a Big World … and much more. Dedicated volunteers can come make a difference in the life of a child.
To buy a square, to register as a vendor, help at the May 18 event or volunteer with Project Bridge, contact ProjectBridge19@gmail.com or call Trinity UMC (the host location for Project Bridge) at 731-642-3427. Tickets for squares are also available at Merison’s, Jack’s Java and the Paris First United Methodist Church office.
Photo by Shannon McFarlin