Monday, November 8, 2010

November 2010


I cannot believe it, but we are wrapping up another year of AYC! I want to thank everybody that has made Active Youth and Community a success. Without our advertisers, we would not be able to print. Without our readers, we wouldn’t have advertisers. Without our writers, we wouldn’t have content for our readers! But each of these elements needs one other, and thus far , it has worked out great. So thank you so very much to everyone involved and here’s to continued success.

So with November comes the official return of the holiday season. This time of year is always exciting and can also be undoubtedly nerve wracking! We have included an article in this issue that may help a little with Holiday planning and hopefully relieve some of the stress that comes with it. If you are one of the many readers that has a house with 4-legged members of the family, please read our Pet Column concerning some avoidable holiday hazards for pets. Just because the weather is turning a bit cooler, that does not mean that you want to neglect your yard and gardens. Tom has his usual advice and his favorite tips to offer up in the Tom’s Thumb portion of this month. Remember to make sure that your car is road ready if you are traveling this holiday season. Sevcik’s and Kwik Kar are ready to make sure that your vehicle passes a general inspection to ensure that you and your precious cargo arrive in time and safely. Go pay them a visit and remember to tell them that we sent you. There is absolutely no shortage of events that come to our area this time of year. Check our our family events page and get on out there! First Fridays in historic downtown Bryan is going on, there are some home A&M football games left, the George Bush library has “The Heart of Truth” Red Dress Collection, Celebrities and First Ladies Red Dress collection. Also, one of the area’s favorites, Santa’s Wonderland kicks off this month to share its magic as well as many other activities for everyone to enjoy.

My only personal snippet that I will mention this month is how fast our little ones grow up. I was just looking through some pictures of my family from the holidays the last couple of years. Wow it goes quick. I just want to encourage each of you to take in the great things in life each and every day. I know it is much easier to get bogged down and buried in the clutter, but try to take a little of the good with you every day! Find something that makes you happy and pay attention to it! Things are always changin’!

Thanks for reading and we will talk to you soon!

Geoff Spahr
Publisher Active Youth & Community Magazine

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

March 2010!


Ok, I give up on this Texas weather. As I am writing my little piece for this month’s issue, the weather man on television is outlining what is to come, complete with snow, driving precautions that will be necessary, and school closures. That’s not too uncommon, other than it is almost March! Crazy, but I guess it’s a bit exciting and fun (as long as everyone remains safe), at least my daughter’s seem to enjoy it. It does seem a little backwards that last month I was suggesting some great outdoor family activities and now we are bundling up once again. Seems that it won’t last long though, I saw a forecast for two days from the snow with sunny highs of 63 degrees! Oh well, I digress, this Texas weather…

Crazy weather or not, I am convinced that we are blessed with one of the best communities in the country and I know that the next couple of months are going to be filled with beautiful weather. Speaking of this time of year, and fresh on my mind from a ever-so-slight personal oversight, it is a great time to take your car into a service center to make sure that it is ready for the hot summer months. If you are getting that little nudge from your vehicle that something may be wrong, do not delay, especially. Small problems can quickly turn into costly repairs and service and all of these may be able to be avoided with minimal cost if you just get your car checked out. I could have avoided my little auto problem, but didn’t. So do some research and go get your ride checked out, if you are worried about time, call ahead and make an appointment. Yes they do that (most places), and yes it will save you significant time.

I wanted to also mention that if your family is so inclined, the spring is a wonderful time of year to bring a new pet into the house. Please don’t misunderstand what I am saying, I am not saying to get a pet because it is about to be spring, I am say that if your family has made the decision to welcome a pet into the family, spring is great. The great weather provides ample opportunity for your family and the new pet to bond while enjoying great outdoor activities. Enjoy parks, walks, frisbee golf, jogs, playing ball or just spending time in the sun. There is much to consider before making the decision, and please give great consideration to visiting the Brazos Animal Shelter first. Not only can you find a wonderful companion, they can make sure you get the right type of pet and provide information on how to make the first few weeks more enjoyable. The shelter has animals of all ages, depending on what you want. I love the new ads on television about shelter pets, how they are not damaged goods. That is so true. I personally have a 12 year old dog that I got from the shelter when he was less than 6 weeks old. He is and always will be one of the best friends I have. I am sure there are many more like him awaiting a great home!

Stay warm, play hard, and be safe!

Geoff Spahr
Publisher, Active Youth & Community Magazine
College Station, TX

Friday, February 19, 2010

Mom's Corner by Taylor Coker

For the Love…

Today has been one of those days.

It has been one of those days when I feel as if I am walking on eggshells, and any moment I just might have to break down and scream… “FOR THE LOVE!”

I mean, if I have to change one more set of sheets after they have been peed on, fold one more load of socks, clean one more found sippy cup that once contained what I think was chocolate milk, change one more dirty diaper of a little one that should have been potty trained months ago, chase one more escaped dog around the neighborhood, help write one more paper for graduate school when I am not even taking a class, try to remember one more thing to pack in one more bag, make one more trip to Target because we forgot something I don’t need, watch one more stupid sci-fi movie I cannot stand, find one more charger to a game I do not play…I think I really will scream…

I simply will not be able to contain myself!

FOR THE LOVE!

Did I mention that I have also kissed two precious skinned knees, helped write the sweetest thank-you letter, watched the most precious child choreographed dance to Christmas music (Yes, I realize it is February, but my kids really like Christmas music.), cuddled with the cutest kids and watched Cinderella for at least the hundredth time, escaped childless to the nail salon with a husband delighted that he was able to sit and talk to me while I got the most incredible pedicure, had a real “mature” conversation with a pre-teen about the Lord that warmed my heart, and sat for a good chunk of the afternoon in the park with one of the dearest friends?

I did!

And, while I do many things I love and probably more things I do not love so much, I do them all…FOR THE LOVE!

Yet, sometimes I forget to cherish the love I receive in return for the love I give…

Like the five biggest hugs before I walked out the door, the most grateful thank you from a two-year old, a perfectly drawn picture of our family from a soon-to-be kindergartener, a gourmet dinner I lifted not one finger to prepare, a look followed by a smile from across a crowded room that only I would have seen or understood, a crazy wagging tail each time I walk in the door, an innocent grabbing of my hand as we walked into the grocery store, a hanging on my leg time to laugh so hard you cry…

Wednesday, February 3, 2010


2010 has already showed that great things are to come. We are excited and eager at Active Youth and Community to get this new year started in the right direction by bringing you more community news, events, promotions, and information. We are in the process of changing and updating some aspects of our publication. As always, we welcome and value feedback, ideas, and suggestions from the community. If there are things that you would like to see in AYC and we have been missing, please find my email address in the staff box to the left and drop me a quick line.

In this and upcoming issues we are continuing our staple columns and adding a few more. “Auto News” is a new column written by Bill Lofton. Bill is the owner of the Kwik Kar service station located on Rock Prairie and Wellborn. At the end of last year, Bill helped to simply explain the importance of oil to your engine and the different choices you have when maintaining it. We received great feedback from this feature and have decided to continue it. A little basic understanding of your vehicle can make a huge difference, so please continue reading! Brand new for this year is a Pet Column, written by Miriam Rieck. Miriam owns a local canine and equestrian boarding facility like no other and is very passionate about animals. She even offers FREE COPIES of the Brazos Valley Dog Directory. This wonderful and expansive reference book is a must for all area dog owners as it lists most (if not all) of the canine services available in our area. Please contact Miriam for your copy and give her column a read. This month it is featuring our Dog Parks and some things to think about before you go. This month’s local business spotlight is a unique and valuable asset to the College Station Community. Susan’s Ballroom Dance and Etiquette offers an array of dance instruction, programs, and activities for people of all ages. Susan has been offering lessons for 21 years and is a wonderful supporter of AYC. We are proud to offer our readers a closer acquaintance with Susan and all the areas that she can help you with.

February is the month of love and there are many great gift ideas offered in the area. Beyond the roses and chocolate, maybe your special someone would greatly enjoy a message, a visit to the spa, dance lessons, a nice dinner, a short vacation getaway, or just a night out with just the two of you! Whatever choice you make, if you are in need of some relief from parental duties, Powersports is offering a Valentine’s lock in from 8pm to 8am on February 13th, please contact them for further info and be sure to use your coupon offered in their AYC ad.
The weather looks be beautiful this month and a great way to enjoy it is at one of our community parks. In fact, there has been a recent facelift and expansion to the park located off of Alexandria in the Shenandoah subdivision. The City of College Station has added on to the playground, picnic, and basketball areas by providing lighted walking trails through the woods and also installed the area’s newest Frisbee golf course. Frisbee golf is something that I need to work on, but it is a lot of fun, enjoyable by everyone in the family and a great way to get outdoors. This is my first opportunity in 2010 to THANK YOU for reading AYC and for providing our area with a wonderful community. Without everyone’s contributions, College Station would not be what it is today.

‘Til next month…stay safe and happy, and like Tom always says, don’t forget to feed the birds!!

Geoff Spahr
Publisher Active Youth & Community Magazine, College Station

Thursday, November 12, 2009

November!!!


The Holidays are fast approaching and the year is running down the final stretch. It is obvious to see that the stores are preparing for the rushes. Seeing the lights, tinsel, trees, and turkeys, inevitably instills a sense of urgency for most people. Urgency to get a head start on your holiday shopping , whether gift or grocery, there always seems to be challenges in getting everything thats needed. There is also the looming preparation for travel and/or incoming relatives and friends. Even with all of this craziness, the holidays are my favorite time of year and the craziness often adds to the fun.


An element that is easy to over look with the craze of the holidays is how easy it is to make a difference in other’s lives. This time of year always bring a sense of uplifting and giving and that should not be limited to people that you know or are related to. Sure, everybody should do their part all year round, but during these couple of months, ways of contributing seem to find us. Something as simple as dropping a few coins in a bell ringer’s bucket can go a long way. Or what about becoming a bell ringer yourself? There are numerous food and clothing drives that can seriously benefit from your participation, and it gives you a chance to clean out your closet and pantry! Toy drives can make a HUGE difference in children’s Holidays across the country. Pick one and take a little something, you will feel as good as the child that ultimately receives the gift.
One of the area’s most eye opening events is the annual Toy Run at Independence Harley Davidson on December 5th. This will be the 21st Toy Run and reaches deeply into the community. Choosing select families that really need help in making the holidays magical, the Toy Run provides the gifts needed and delivers them in a truly unique fashion. There will be an opportunity to meet at Independence, see all the bikes, celebrate, and bring extra gifts. Then upwards of 250 Harley’s and one big truck will descend on area neighborhoods to deliver to the chosen houses. Most riders will be strapped with gifts and candy for children eager to see what the commotion is all about when entering the neighborhoods. This is truly a one of a kind event. Contact Independence Harley for more information.


If shopping is your thing and you just can’t wait until that turkey dinner is over so you can get up at the crack of down to chase down the year’s biggest shopping day, what are you going to do with the kids? Powersports is offering an all day camp on black Friday to help you out. Dragging the little ones around will do nothing but wear them out and slow you down, let Thad and the gang take them off your hands for a little fun-filled while. If you are looking for a unique gift, or you need a place to host your holiday party, check out Winestyles. Located behind Cheddar’s on University, they are eager to help with your event or just a unique gift.


Cooler temperatures will be heading our way soon, so remember to keep warm and spend some time with family, as always we have some ideas on how to do this on our Family Events page. This is our 12th issue already completing our first year! Thank you for reading and we look forward to seeing you around town!


Geoff Spahr
Publisher, AYC Magazine

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Dance for Fun!

Dance for Fun, By Susan Quiring
www.SusansBallroomDance.com


This year’s season of “So you Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars” is off to a great start. Young or old, male or female, many of us share a common dream of swooping elegantly around the dance floor.

Dan Barbee, who has taken dance classes from Susan’s Ballroom Dance for 5 ½ years, says, “For families and mature adults, we don't have to dance like stars but we can still enjoy it even if we forget a step every now and then. When our partner looks at us and smiles, the lost step is forgotten in an instant. As we get older, there are still plenty of dances and steps that we can do. We don't have to be stars; we can just simply enjoy the dance and each other. Dancing is an activity that can be shared by all ages--at home, at the club, or in the ballroom.“

The benefits of dance for our youth are endless. What they learn now will serve them well by giving them confidence and allowing them to practice social skills in many different situations. In addition to dancing being fun, it is healthy, and excellent at helping you meet people all through your life.

Dancing makes you smile, makes you move, and allows you to truly enjoy music even though you may not be able to sing or play a musical instrument. It is easy to dance whether you are 10, 30, 50, 70 or older. “I just danced a swing and a waltz with a 96 year- old gentleman at the Carriage Inn just 3 weeks ago,” Susan Quiring commented. “Many, many good memories are created around the music and the dance.”

Most women love a man who can dance. Once you have taken a few lessons, you can go out dancing socially and yes you can also dance at weddings! It enhances a marriage, and it’s for all ages. Just a half hour of continuous dancing can burn up to 400 calories. How many of us can do cardio for a couple of hours and not realize how much time has passed because we’re having so much fun?

What are you waiting for? Do you want to learn the elegant Waltz or tango, the sultry Cha Cha, Salsa or Samba, or maybe you love to Swing or Hustle? Whether you are getting married, are looking for a way to build your social network, want a fun way to burn calories, or you are a teen wanting to impress a girl—whatever your reason, Get out there and learn a step or two!

By Susan Quiring
www.SusansBallroomDance.com

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Buddy Walk - Oct 11th!

What a Friend Means to Dillon

By Sondra White

Darla smiled as her son climbed into the car after school that day.
“Momma, a fwiend’s comin’ ober later, OK?” he said with his usual excitement.
She paused, gave him another big smile, and replied, “Sure, Dillon―that sounds great!”
It wasn’t the first time her 15-year-old son had come home from school with the notion that a friend might come over. She knew it was unlikely; especially considering this was his first week as a freshman at Iola High School. But why ruin his fun by asking a bunch of questions? It couldn’t hurt to let him wonder if someone might actually show up this time.

You see, unlike most kids his age, Dillon never had any friends drop by to play or just hang out. Rare was the time he was invited to a birthday party or sleepover. It was no one’s fault. Their five-acre country home doesn’t exactly lend itself to frequent neighborly visits. And it’s human nature for most children to steer clear of those who are different.

Dillon’s Grand Entrance

Dillon was one in about 700 Americans born with Down syndrome. He made a dramatic entrance into the world with a webbed intestine, a mangled heart and only a 50-50 chance of survival.
“When my grandparents came to the hospital, they looked through the window and noticed the doctors were frantically working on Dillon,” Darla said. “They told me that life flight was on the way to take him to Houston, and that’s when I really went crazy!”

Oblivious to the pain of a C-section through which Dillon was delivered, Darla insisted on driving to Houston with her husband, Shane, to be near their son, who was admitted to the Turner Unit for infants in critical condition. In the hours that followed Dillon’s parents would learn that not only did he have a webbed intestine that required immediate surgery, but he was born with Down syndrome and serious heart defect.
“It was a long and traumatic beginning, but at 11 months Dillon had open-heart surgery, and since then life has been great!” Darla says. “He was welcomed in Iola as a miracle kid.”

No Imaginary Friend

About 30 minutes after Darla and Dillon got home from school that day, she heard the sound of rubber on gravel as a vehicle drove up to the house. A few second later, she heard a car door slam.
“I didn’t think much of it,” she says. “I figured it was Shane coming home from work early or maybe the UPS man.”
Suddenly, Dillon was dashing down the hallway toward her, yelling at top of his lungs, “Mom! My fwiend’s here! My fwiend’s here!”
“I still thought that Dillon might have been imagining all this,” Darla said, “but sure enough I looked outside and there he was―a real-live friend who had driven over to our house to hang out with my son!”

Brett introduced himself to Darla, gave Dillon a high five, and the two casually walked away toward the back room to play video games. They had met that day at school, and Bret had asked Dillon if he could come by to hang out after school. Having never met a stranger in his life, Dillon said, “Sure!” and gave Brett directions to the house. Miraculously, Brett actually showed up.
“They played video games, shot BB guns and went fishing down at our tank,” Darla said. Shane got home later and asked, “Who’s that down at the tank with Dillon?” When Darla told him the good news, they let the boys hang out until nearly 10 p.m. “Shane finally had to break up the party and tell Brett to go home so Dillon could get some sleep,” Darla said. “Dillon told us it was the best day ever.”

The World Through Dillon’s Eyes
Dillon’s been enrolled in public school since the age of 3, and has been included in all classes and activities. “The teachers, administrators and most kids don’t treat him any differently,” Darla says, “but as he gets older it becomes clear that he doesn’t advance the same way other children do.”

Despite cognitive challenges that make it difficult for him to read, write and speak, the word “can’t” does not exist in the Dyke family vocabulary. Dillon loves to ski on snow and water, plays golf and ping-pong, drives a go-kart and boat, and enjoys fishing with his brother.
“Dillon has made me a better person and actually makes everyone who knows him a better person,” Darla says. “I always tell people, ‘If you could see the world through Dillon’s eyes for one day, you’d see a beautiful place.’ He sees no bad in anyone. Even when other kids are cruel―like the time not too long ago that a bully pushed him into a locker at school―he says, ‘It’s OK Mom, they can still be my friends.’ ”
Walk for Acceptance

Darla says it’s this unconditional love and acceptance in people with Down syndrome that brings meaning to the Buddy Walk―an annual fundraiser for the Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley. “This to me is the most important message of Buddy Walk,” she says. “If our children can show such remarkable caring for others, it’s only fair that we accept them for who they are, regardless of their differences.”

Through the Down Syndrome Association, the Dyke family and others like them have grown through support and activities that focus on education, sharing and advocacy. Darla says it’s nice to know she can always turn to a group of friends who are nonjudgmental and share a common bond. “I never feel alone like I did before,” she says, “and I’ve made the best friends anyone could ask for.

“People with Down syndrome are almost like everyone else in the world,” she says. “But they have a much better understanding of life and love.”

To register for the 6th Annual Buddy Walk, go to www.downsyndromeofbcs.com.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Welcome to October!


Oh my gosh, the heat has subsided! We may have had to deal with multiple dreary days filled with rain, but I think after the brutal heat of this summer, it has been a welcomed change. October brings cooler temperatures and many family activities offered in our area. October is also the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many, many lives have been affected by this disease, so even something as simple as a prayer would be appreciated. The annual Buddy Walk is upon us and is a great way to spend some outdoor time and get some exercise! Please learn more about this wonderful and rewarding event and how to participate; I urge you to take a moment to read this month’s Buddy Walk spotlight and come out on October 11th.

Speaking of participating, I think I will take lasts months message of slowing down and spending quality time with friends and family one step further. This month’s Halloween celebration is a prime opportunity to not only spend time with your family, but also to relax, let go, and have fun with them. Instead of merely making sure that your children have wonderful costumes, make sure that you have one too! I know, I know...you don’t have time, or somebody might see you, your too tired, or you just think its goofy. Being goofy is half of the fun and if you have young children, it’s the part that they will really understand! Seeing you dressed up, especially if they get to help, will be just as exciting to them as being in their own costumes. It will also provide a lasting memory that will talked about for years.

When I was a child, the neighborhood fathers decided to get together and put on a haunted house. They each dressed up, went trick or treating with their kids, and then met at the community pool where the haunted house was for everybody to enjoy. I was very young at the time, in fact, too young and frightened to walk through the haunted house, but I can remember that my father was Frankenstein (and a good one at that, these dads weren’t messing around!) Now that I think about it, I remember one father was an escaped crazed ape, another was a frogman-like sea creature swimming in and out of the pool, and another was a lunatic scientist host for the house. That particular Halloween I went dressed up as……I have absolutely idea. My best friend, who’s father was the crazed Ape, I have no recollection what he was dressed as. How is that for a lasting impression on a child? I can’t remember what my friends were dressed as, but I can remember the Dad’s costumes and even other specifics about the haunted house! Point is, the parents did something special that year, they participated with their children and the neighborhood kids, and although it may have been scary - it made that Halloween a lasting memory because our fathers and “the adults” dressed up just like us!

I’m not saying that you have to dress up for Halloween, much less put on a haunted house. I am simply encouraging you to participate in the events and things that your kids are involved in, whatever their age, and whatever that may be. You may find it very rewarding on different levels and even if they don’t act like it now, they will benefit from it. Take advantage of the cooler weather, as Tom says feed the birds, and enjoy this great community that we are lucky to call home. Thank you for reading AYC!

Geoff Spahr
Publisher AYC

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Q & A with Dallas Shipp, of the Shipp Agency

Q: I own a local business and my insurance policy is supposed to pay for my lost income if I’m unable to open up because of a fire or storm. However, I was without power for nearly a week after Hurricane Ike and my insurance company said that wasn’t covered. Why not? – Gene, College Station

Dallas Shipp: While your current insurance policy may not cover that, the commercial product available through The Shipp Agency does include lost revenue and payroll expenses due to electricity outages. It’s a coverage that is not always available with all companies though, so you may want to shop around. You may be surprised what other coverages are available that you don’t currently have.

Q: I’m looking into buying a new house, but was told that if there was a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, it could keep me from closing because I wouldn’t be able to purchase homeowners insurance, which is required by my mortgage company before I can close. What is this about? It’s not like we’re on the coast. – Jessi, College Station

Dallas Shipp: This is a very valid concern. While we are not located in a coastal county, once a storm enters a certain quadrant (basically, when it goes past Cuba/Florida and into the Gulf) the coastal counties get locked down because insurance companies have no way of knowing where it’s headed, and they’re not going to take the risk of writing a policy and paying a claim the next week. If a storm appears headed for Texas, insurance companies will stop binding coverage further and further from the coast.

Take Hurricane Rita as an example. There was massive damage along the coast, but there was also significant damage further inland because of tornados and hail, all the way up to Jasper, Nacogdoches and Shreveport. That’s why it is important to secure insurance as early as possible when purchasing a home.

Q: I had hail damage to my roof a couple of years ago when we had a bad hail storm, and my insurance company said that they would only pay for a portion of cost to replace my roof. Why do I purchase insurance if they aren’t going to pay to fix my house? Anonymous, College Station

Dallas Shipp: This is a huge difference from one insurance company to another and it’s called “replacement cost.” If you don’t have replacement cost on your home and your property, you’re wasting money on an insurance policy that might save you a couple of bucks a month, but in the long run, is just going to leave you angry. If you had replacement cost coverage on the dwelling—and read your contract carefully because some companies will say you have replacement cost on the home, but they’ll exclude coverage from your roof, which is probably the most likely part of your home to be damaged from hail or strong winds.

Q: I keep getting letters in the mail about an umbrella policy for ‘added liability protection,’ but what does that mean? Erin, College Station

Dallas Shipp: An umbrella policy is a very critical piece of your family’s protection plan. If you’re involved in a lawsuit, it will provide you with an extra million dollars in protection, before the plaintiff can touch your personal assets. However, the biggest reason to make sure you have this in place, is that if an insurance company has an extra million dollars on the line, they’re going to provide you with a very good lawyer at no cost to you. The key to remember here is that you don’t have to be guilty to be sued, and even if you did nothing wrong, it will still cost thousands of dollars to defend you in court. This protection is typically available for about $10/month, and is a no brainer.
_____________________
Have a question about your insurance? Email Dallas@theshippagency.com today. If your question is answered in next month’s edition of AYC Magazine, you’ll receive a free sandwich from Firehouse Subs!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

The Mom's Corner...

The MOST Important School Supply

I love school supplies. I mean, I really love school supplies. I love markers, pencils, tape, folders, dividers, crayons (Oh, there is nothing like new crayons), index cards, sticky notes, binders, colored paper (Oh, I especially like colored paper), Sharpies, calendars, spirals glue, highlighters, scissors…I love it all!

I have always loved school supplies. In fact, school supplies are the one thing that that drove me to make truly bad decisions as a child. It is true! I would have never dreamt of stealing anything, hoarding anything, or hiding anything from my parents; however, when it came to school supplies, I am guilty of all three! And, I will be honest, while I have learned to restrain myself around school supplies these days, I will admit that they present a true area of weakness.
You might think I am slightly crazy (and I am), but I know there are many of there out there like myself who have the same sort of sick fascination with school supplies. Yes, I have seen you in the stores trying to get to the school supplies before me!

For so long school supplies were – to me – a symbol and foundation for all that can be learned. I related the opening of a box of school supplies to opening a door to innovation. With those tools (school supplies), I believed my own self was the only limit to the creativity that could be expressed, and there was nothing that excited me more than being engaged in thought and producing a product with pride.

Somebody told me the other day that I probably decided to go into teaching because of my love/obsession for school supplies. While I would deny that wholeheartedly if you asked me in person, I will admit as I write that there could be more than an ounce of truth to this statement.
Thus, it would not surprise you that I also once believed to be a good educator that I had to have oodles of school supplies. I remember going out my first year as a teacher and spending hundreds of dollars of my own money to be sure that I had the materials I thought I needed to adequately teach the students in my class. The materials that had been provided were not sufficient, in my opinion, for the anticipated quality, thinking, level of learning, and product I wanted to have in my classroom, and I was convinced that if I had the right school supplies I would inevitably achieve that level of greatness I so desired of myself as a teacher and of my students as learners. More simply stated, I believed the more I filled their desk, the more of their mind I was filling as well.

And, the same was true when I became a mother and sent my children to their first days of school! I eagerly filled their backpacks with the supplies I had bought with joy, and dreamed of the great things their minds would soak up because of them.

Yet, what I failed to realize was that it was not the supplies with which I was filling their backpacks that supported their learning, spurred their thinking, and provided an avenue for creativity, it was the love with which I packed them that did these things…and more.
I have also come a long way as an educator. I have been known to still purchase massive amounts of markers and scissors for my classroom, but I know that it is not the color of the paper on which I print the assignment or the sticker I place on their paper that builds a relationship, makes learning meaningful, or encourages originality. Rather, it is the heart with which I do these things that will ultimately enhance the classroom environment and promote the authentic learning I seek as a teacher.

You see, no matter how many colored pencils or folders I purchase, the involvement, time, dedication, support, encouragement, passion, and heart I give my students and children is ultimately what will make the difference in their learning.

My husband recalls a story of his childhood schooling where his mother helped him glue pictures, tables and headings to a project: “I think that project is why I love the smell of glue,” he says. (I know, he is weird like me!) “But, it is not the glue that has stuck with me for so long, “ he goes on, “it is my mom’s help and support.”

I know you are going to be shocked, but I did not buy the obscene amount of school supplies this year. I resisted the urge! I fought the temptation! There have been no $.10 spirals and only minimal amounts of $.25 crayons…I still love them, and I still have a strangely weird obsession for them; however, as we started school this year I made that bigger investment that will assuredly inspire my students and children to greatness…I gave them more of me…and that is the greatest thing I could do!