News
February Connection Challenge
Each month I challenge you to break out of your comfort zone and meet someone new! This month meet someone over the phone.
February Connection Challenge: Meet Someone Over the Phone
The next time you call a business, like your utility or cable provider, ask what the person’s name is. Tell them your name, and thank them for helping you. A lot of people who work in customer service hear more complaints than compliments. How refreshing it would be for them to hear a cheerful, grateful voice at the other end of the line!
I'd love to hear about all the great friends you're making and what's new in your neighborhood! Email me at kayla@WeCareAbilene.org
Wake Up, Abilene! - Good Neighbor Breakfast 2012 Announcement
CCC invites you to our 3rd annual Good Neighbor Breakfast! Come join us in our effort to 'wake up' Abilene and revitalize neighborhoods through loving and caring relationships.
When: Wednesday, February 29, 2012
7:30am - 8:30am
Where: First Baptist Church of Abilene - Main Dining Room
1333 North 3rd St.
Here is a quick FAQ of the event for those who may wish to attend:
- What is CCC's Good Neighbor Breakfast?
The Good Neighbor Breakfast is a FREE, one hour fundraiser event to raise unrestricted funds and to spread the word about CCC. Guests will be asked to consider making a contribution; however, there is no minimum or maximum gift required.
- What will we eat?
Expect a twist on a continental breakfast! Things like fruit and baked breads will be available, as well as some unique on-the-go breakfast treats. In order to keep our time commitments and minimize the distraction of food service, there will be no table wait staff.
- How many years have you had the Good Neighbor Breakfast?
This is CCC's third annual GNB. We are excited as ever for this year's event! It is one of two regular fundraisers that we hold throughout the year - the other being CCC's Community Celebration in the fall. However, this is CCC's only official "ask" event. - How many people will attend?
We are planning for around 300 guests. - What is the format of the event?
We will start and end on time to ensure that our guests can move on to their regularly scheduled day. After a brief welcome message, there will be time to eat and socialize, followed by a presentation from CCC staff and neighbors, our newest video, and a request for contributions. There will also be some fun surprises along the way! - For what will the money be used?
The intent is to raise unrestricted funds for CCC. The money will go to ensure that we provide quality programming, leadership, support, evaluation and accountability in every aspect of our work. - What do the neighborhood tours have to do with the breakfast?
CCC Neighborhood Tours are an important part of our engagement plan with volunteers and donors. The tours give a firsthand look at our work that no other event can do justly. So, we plan for about a third of each table to have attended a tour beforehand so they have a greater awareness before attending the breakfast. The GNB will have its own introductions to CCC - but not in the same way that our tours do.
If you would like to schedule a spot at the breakfast or a tour date, call us at 325 - 232 - 8241. We look forward to seeing you there!
It's Christmas Time in the Valley
Valley View youngsters of all ages gathered in the Valley View gym for some Christmas cheer, on Monday, December 19.
It all started with a trip to McDonald's when my little friend reminded me we had not gotten together with our neighborhood friends in awhile and that perhaps we needed a Christmas party -- with hot chocolate, and pizza and the making of a Christmas ornament -- and that game with the big polka dots (which after a brief game of 20 questions, it turns out is Twister.) I thought it was the perfect idea -- and coming from the cutest kid in the neighborhood whose name just happens to be Angel, I considered it inspired.
We quickly spread the word and on the afternoon of December 19, about 30 friends gathered to play an assortment of Christmas games and relay races, including a Rudolph relay, a Christmas obstacle course, throwing marshmallows through Christmas wreaths, and jumping until all the jingle bells had jostled out of a box strapped to your waist. That was a hoppin' good time!
Each had a choice of decorations to make and take to add to the tree at home. Much pizza and an assortment of Christmas candies and goodies were consumed before we wished each other the merriest of Christmases and went on our way.
We will be looking forward to gathering together again soon and hope you will join us. I am sure my little Angel will remind me.
Valley View Creative Arts Expo
Neighbors in the Valley View neighborhood display their artistic talents at the Valley View Creative Arts Expo held in the former Valley View gymnasium, November 20.
Valley View neighbors came together to share their flair for the arts, Saturday, November 20, in the old Valley View gymnasium. Brad Carpenter, an artist by trade, assisted community coordinator, Janet Mendenhall with the event. There are people with all sorts of creative interests and talents in this neighborhood, and most neighbors are unaware of the interesting and truly amazing things their neighbors are doing. So the pair decided it was time to shine some light on the talented people living in Valley View.
Participants showed their knitting and crocheting, jewelry, hair bows and handbags, wood art, and even robots!
A great time of food and fellowship was had by participants and visitors alike.
West Texas Girls Conference
Valley View middle school girls attended the West Texas Girls Conference at Abilene Christian University, November 12-13
Valley View middle school girls joined hearts with about 600 west Texas high school and middle school girls at the West Texas Girls Conference held at Abilene Christian University, November 12-13, for a time of fun and fellowship. Speakers Pam Cope, Christa Black and Kayci Ross shared their journey and encouraged the girls to consider their own journeys, where they have been, how they have been shaped, how they might continue and where they might go. Hands-on activities were interspersed among the speakers which allowed the girls to creatively explore the idea of considering their journeys.
The girls and neighborhood sponsors enjoyed a beautiful day on the campus as they picnicked together and discussed the morning's activities; and finished with a dinner together, sharing laughs and things they learned before the closing session. This group looks forward to spending more time together soon. Come along and join us -- there is always joy in the journey!
January Connection Challenge
January Connection Challenge: Meet Someone at Work
Each month I'll challenge you to break out of your comfort zone and meet someone new!
It’s a new year! What better way to start fresh than by making new friends? You may think you already know everyone at work, but what about the people who work on a different floor? Have you met the people who landscape and clean your work building? Have you met the people in the cafeteria? Do you know the names of the people who fix the copy machine or restock the soda machine? Smile and say hello!
I'd love to hear about all the great friends you're making and what's new in your neighborhood! Email me at kayla@WeCareAbilene.org
December Connection Challenge
"Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart." -Washington Irving
It's time to make another new friend! This month's Connection Challenge is: Meet Someone at a Christmas Event
Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of year. There is great food, great music, and great memories to be made as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In the spirit of the season, extend your warm greetings to someone at your company, church or civic organization's Christmas party.
You could also host your own Christmas party! Invite neighbors you haven't seen in a while, or neighbors you've never met. New friends can make the season that much brighter!
Remember, we need to hear your stories! Please take a moment to connect with us and share your experience this month. You can share in one of three ways:
- Face-to-face.....come by CCC and tell me how it went
- Email............send me an email: kayla@WeCareAbilene.org
- Phone............call me at 325-232-8241
November Connection Challenge
Each month I challenge you to break out of your comfort zone and meet someone new! This month Meet Someone at a Sporting Event.
When you’re cheering on your favorite team, there’s an electric energy in the air! Seize that moment and bond with a fellow fan. Talk about how your team has been doing that season or your favorite player.
Make small talk with the folks at the concession stand—friendly conversation will be a welcome break from people shouting food orders the workers.
Meet the coach and congratulate them on a job well done. Shake hands with the referees after the game.
I'd love to hear about all the great friends you're making and what's new in your neighborhood! Email me at kayla@WeCareAbilene.org
October Connection Challenge
F is for Friends! Get out and make some new ones!
October Connection Challenge: Make a Friend at a Meeting
Each month I challenge you to break out of your comfort zone and meet someone new! It's called a Connection Challenge. This month make a friend at a meeting.
City Councils, school boards and churches hold meetings on a regular basis. Find an organization or a cause you care about and make plans to attend their next meeting. This will increase your awareness of the needs in your community and keep you informed about how you can help. Introduce yourself to at least one new person at the meeting. Forming new relationships can lead to positive changes in your community.
I'd love to hear about all the great friends you're making or what's new in your neighborhood! Email me at kayla@WeCareAbilene.org
Be Blessed,
Kayla Weinkauf--Haven House Manager
Community Celebration 5K Results
CCC would like to thank the Abilene Runner's Club and all who came out to support and participate in the Community Celebration 5K run/walk. Here are the results for our timed race:
Overall Male Top Winner:
Zack Leggett - Bib 148
Chip Time: 18:38.7
Abilene, TX
Overall Female Top Winner:
Kate Easton - Bib 181
Chip Time: 22:27.4
Abilene, TX
Male 12 and Under
1st - Grant Parker - Bib 169
Chip Time: 26:41.5
Abilene, Tx
2nd - Jackson Parker - Bib 170
Chip Time: 27:07.7
Abilene, TX
3rd - Logan Parker - Bib 171
Chip Time: 33:00.9
Abilene, TX
Male 19 to 29
1st - John-Michael Leggett - Bib 147
Chip Time: 21:31.6
Big Spring, TX
2nd - Brandon Monroe - Bib 177
Chip Time: 25:23.2
Abilene, TX
3rd - Shreckengast Kurt - Bib 182
Chip Time: 29:33.1
Aledo, TX
4th - Eseohe Ebhomielen - Bib 183
Chip Time: 29:33.2
Abilene, TX
Male 30 to 39
1st - Brett Rose - Bib 160
Chip Time: 25:38.5
Abilene, TX
2nd - Eason Travis - Bib 180
Chip Time: 27:06.6
Abilene, TX
3rd - David Griffith - Bib 153
Chip Time: 27:42.0
Abilene, TX
4th - Brian Danko - Bib 166
Chip Time: 35:50.2
Abilene, TX
Male 40 to 49
1st - Tommy Stevens - Bib 174
Chip Time: 22:55.6
Clyde, TX
2nd - Stan Stanridge - Bib 154
Chip Time: 23:43.2
Abilene, TX
3rd - Tim Keawmanee - Bib 161
Chip Time: 27:04.3
Abilene, TX
Male 50 and Over
1st - Jeff Braaten - Bib 176
Chip Time: 20:37.4
Abilene, TX
2nd - Ken Leggett - Bib 146
Chip Time: 22:44.0
Abilene, TX
3rd - Rodney Brown - Bib 168
Chip Time: 25:43.6
Abilene, TX
4th - James Eibson - Bib 165
Chip Time: 26:24.2
Abilene, TX
Female 12 and Under
1st - Madelyn Parker - Bib 172
Chip Time: 26:42.6
Abilene, TX
Female 19 to 29
1st - Toni Cowan - Bib 157
Chip Time: 25:25.3
Abilene, TX
2nd - Jacie Frierson - Bib 179
Chip Time: 47:02.7
Abilene, TX
3rd - Brittany Ladyman - Bib 178
Chip Time: 47:02.7
Abilene, TX
4th - Jessica Woodyard
Abilene, TX
Female 30 to 39
1st - Melody Parker - Bib 173
Chip Time: 24:16.6
Abilene, TX
2nd - Mamie Myers - Bib 145
Chip Time: 25:44.3
Abilene, TX
3rd - Mary Ross - Bib 175
Chip Time: 25:57.0
Merkel, TX
4th - Alice Lanham - Bib 158
Chip Time: 31:26.9
Clyde, TX
5th - Melissa Jacobs - Bib 155
Chip Time: 34:57.0
Abilene, TX
6th - Jody Danko - Bib 167
Chip Time: 35:50.2
Abilene, TX
Female 40 to 49
1st - Kathy Owen - Bib 149
Chip Time: 22:42.1
Abilene, TX
2nd - Gigi Merrill - Bib 159
Chip Time: 23:43.8
Salem, Oregon
3rd - Rebecca Eidson - Bib 150
Chip Time: 31:58.3
Abilene, TX
4th - Dixie Morris - Bib 163
Chip Time: 37:13.0
Abilene, TX
5th Tammy Kister - Bib 151
Chip Time: 39:50.9
Abilene, TX
Female 50 and Over
1st - Terri Bean - Bib 162
Chip Time: 30:28.9
Hillsboro, TX
2nd - Bee Buxkemper - Bib 144
Chip Time: 34:38.1
Buffalo Gap, TX
3rd - Carol Zullo - Bib 164
Chip Time: 37:13.7
Abilene, TX
4th - Terri Scott - Bib 152
Chip Time: 39:51.2
Abilene, TX