In May, Janine Jensen from Madison Mad Arts helped Skyline CAP Head Start in Madison County provide free school pictures to the 38 children enrolled in the program.

Mad Arts sells goods created by local artists and crafters, many of whom are photographers.  So Janine recruited four of her artists to help with this program.  Larry Patterson, from Madison, and Sue Linthicum, from Culpeper, agreed to take the pictures.  Meghan Lavin and Krissy Lavin, both from Rochelle, also volunteered their time to coordinate the effort, which included coaxing smiles out of the children on picture day. 

Carla Mace, the agency’s new Energy-Efficiency Specialist recently revealed the products to be included in the new utility savings bags to be distributed by the agency to low-income households. The bags include:

• a blanket to keep warm without turning on the heater,
• door sweeps, weather stripping, caulk, a window insulation kit and insulated light switch and electrical outlet covers to provide better home insulation,
• energy-efficient light bulbs, and
• toilet tank banks to reduce water usage from each toilet flush.

Anyone interested in learning more about this program should contact Carla Mace in the Orange County office at 540-672-7492.

Skyline CAP opened a new thrift store in downtown Orange in September. The thrift store focuses on name brand and/or high quality merchandise. The store is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm.

Skyline CAP participated in the Madison County Fireman’s Parade in July 2009. The float showcased Skyline CAP’s commitment to the community along with the various programs offered by the agency. Skyline CAP’s extended family travelled on the float, including the grandchildren of Head Start Facilities Manager Pam Haynes, and the children of Brandi Day, Program Development Manager.