The Search for the Perfect Teacher Appreciation Gift
by Embrace Country Life on 05/09/12
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. It is the one week out of the year that we take the time to thank those responsible for educating our children. Our children are with their teachers for seven hours a day. Teachers in 2012 are responsible for teaching the core curriculum but that is just the tip of the iceberg. It is what is NOT on the state's evaluations that make a great teacher. S/he listens, understands, encourages, and cares. We can all remember our favorite teacher!
After school, we went to Lone Maple Farm in Binghamton, NY. We were greeted by the owners, Mike and Evelyn. Mike and Cliff went to SV High School together. Lone Maple Farm has been in Mike's family for generations. I told Mike I was interested in buying something for my children's teachers. Since two of our girls are in middle school I needed a total of 25 gifts. There were jams, baked goods, honey, and so much more from which to choose! After much deliberation, Mike took us out to his greenhouse. He had a wide assortment of annuals, hanging baskets, and vegetables. They were beautiful! We decided on several different kinds of potted annuals.
Tonight, the girls are decorating little, flower shape cards to stick in the pots with the flowers. They are writing simple thank you notes such as "Thank you for making my brain grow" (Language Arts Teacher) and "Thank you for helping my body grow stronger" (PE teacher). I am watching them take the time to make each note special...their heart-felt thoughts on each card is the real gift.
Lone Maple Farm is another example of a local business with so much to offer their customers. They grow their own produce, bake their own baked goods, and make their own jams. For the last several years, they have made their own wine as well. This Mother's Day you can head to Lone Maple Farm for a day of wine tasting. They are also giving out a free dessert to all moms. Sounds like a great day to me!
"Embrace the Country" during Teacher Appreciation Week and this Mother's Day!!!
