Get Scrappy 2010 - YWCA Women's Crisis Center

Get Scrappy is a fundraiser to benefit the YWCA Women's Crisis Center. This year they are welcoming ALL crafters to join the fun and fundraising. This event will be held at the Beech Activity Center in Wichita, KS on March 26 and 27, 2010. Please click on the logo or links provided for more information on the dates, times, and details of the event. Maple Memories is proud to support this effort by donating to the Silent Auction, so be sure to check that out while you are there!

"Get Scrappy" began in 2005 as a memorial to Crystal White, who was killed in a senseless act of domestic violence. Since it's beginning, Get Scrappy has raised over $50,000 for the YWCA Women's Crisis Center. Domestic violence is a tragedy of our times and, unfortunately, with the changes in our economic stability, the instance of violence is increasing. At “Get Scrappy 2009” they discovered that almost half of the attendees had been touched by domestic violence - either personally or through a family member or friend. The primary purpose of “Get Scrappy” is not just another crop. Born out of a personal tragedy affecting their lives, this event is, first and foremost, an event to raise funds to assist victims of domestic violence and an avenue to heighten awareness of this tragic issue in our community.

I hope some of you can make it, but regardless, I encourage you to take a look at their website. Some of the statistics will chill you...Every year 3.3 million children witness their fathers beat their mothers...Studies suggest that one-fifth to one-third of all women will be physically assaulted by a partner or ex-partner during their lifetime (American Medical Association)...63% of prisoners between the ages of 11 and 20 years doing time for homicide killed their mother's batterer. But, YOU CAN HELP! Attend events, volunteer time, donate items, or simply educate yourself AND your children.

Friday Feature - SassyBags

SassyBags is one of the newest stores on Main Street and is quickly becoming a local favorite!! Both the outside and inside reflect its "sassy" name by carrying a black and hot pink theme throughout. The owner, Casey Stucky, is as friendly as can be AND is kind enough to leave 15% off coupons for the guests at Maple Memories!! So, grab your friends and head inside...

where you will find tons of fun and unique items!! She has everything a girl could want when it comes to purses, wallets, and accessories. Color, color, color!! It's such a cheerful place to shop...you really should stop on by! Oh, and did I mention that she has great prices and even better SALES!!?? Make sure to let Casey know that Maple Memories sent you!

SassyBags
302 N Main
McPherson, KS 67460
(620)755-6223
sassybags@live.com
Business Hours:
Monday 12PM - 5:30PM
Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 11:30AM - 5:30PM
Wednesday 11AM - 5PM

Saturday 10:30AM - 4PM
CLOSED SUNDAY

Message Board

Just in case you don't already know this, I wanted to remind everyone that we do have a Message Board on our website to help "connect" groups. I sometimes receive calls from people stating that they would love to come to Maple Memories, but don't know anyone else that scrapbooks. I also have groups that would like to fill one or two more spots. SO, we have created a message board for you to leave a note so that others can contact you. AND you don't ALL have to be doing the same activity. It works to have quilters, scrapbookers, knitters, or someone working on ANY project at Maple Memories at the same time...mix it up...you might even learn something new!! Check it out, leave a message, and plan your next getaway!!

A DATE A MONTH

This is the gift that I gave my husband for Christmas this year. I had spent time shopping in different stores and just couldn't find the right present. You know, that one thing that he REALLY wanted. On his list...a ladder (um...how am I going to hide THAT!?), hunting pants (now, THAT's exciting! HA!)...and then it hit me! He's always saying that he enjoys the time we have together...just the two of us. With 3 kids, jobs, a business, and other activities that time is sometimes hard to come by. When we DO have time alone, we often start in on some project that needs to get done because it's "so much easier and faster to get it done when the kids aren't around." Can you relate to that!?

So, I decided to give him "A Date a Month in 2010." I made the book out of chipboard and covered it with scrapbooking paper and stickers. Tied it together with jute. Keep in mind, this is for a man so I didn't need all the bling and fancy stuff. I kept it simple.

I went downtown to some of our favorite spots (the ones we never manage to get to) and a few NEW places that would be fun to try out. I bought gift cards or certificates for each place. 12 places total...one for each month. If they had one, I tried to pick up a business card from the business. It served as the "pocket" to hold the GC (see November's page above). I then attached them to each page, along with a little note.

He liked it! Really, he did! AND we are both looking forward to our "January Date"...breakfast at the the coffee shop!

In case you're interested, I did try to pick a variety of places AND times. Here are a few examples:

January - gift card to The Well. The note said, "Pick a morning. We'll drop the kids off at school and head to The Well for coffee and cinnamon rolls!"

March - 2 movie tickets. "MOVIE NIGHT (Popcorn's on me!)"

April - GC to Main Street Deli. "Block some time on your calendar and join me for lunch!"

May - GC to AutoZone. "Need some company while you're working on your car!? I'd love to join you for a good conversation and maybe to lend an extra hand." Note to readers: My husband has an old car he is working on in the garage. Your "date" doesn't have to be going out to dinner...be creative!

August - Chamber Check (these can be used at businesses that are part of the McPherson Chamber of Commerce). Used scrapbooking paper with a deck of cards as the background. "It's your lucky month. Pick a place and I'll join you...maybe over some BBQ!?

Found this...

Found this and thought it was worth reading. For those of you that have teenagers, are about to have teenagers, are YEARS from having teenagers, work with teenagers or even if you just KNOW a teenager...you should read this. Really you should. It's good, very good! Enjoy!