Winter 2011 The Newsletter of Sipe’s Orchard Home Volume 63

News from the ORCHARD

We help families grow their dreams

There are a few numbers in this our Annual Report edition of News from the Orchard. Lots of folks are interested in numbers, and rightfully so; the numbers give a picture of how much we do and how efficiently we do it.

I tend to think that, while the numbers reflect the quantity of our work, the words tell the quality of it. While numbers often offer an easy and

simplified ‘bottom line,’ we’re including more words in this Annual Report. I think that the stories, reflections, and descriptions supply important insights to our children.

This year we have had many interesting, engaging, challenging, and rewarding children who have benefited from what Sipe’s has to offer, whether it was an enriching preschool, an affordable summer camp, or an alternative to life on the streets.

I am proud that we served 160 or so children this past year. But I’m more proud that children at Sipe’s learned things, had new experiences, grew on the inside and the outside, discovered something about themselves or their world, faced challenges, made friends, and otherwise stretched their minds and bodies.

What activity we’ve seen this year! We opened our doors to homeless young adults in Houston and to toddlers in Tyndall. And, it seems, someone is always busy: from slip-n-slide to group meetings, riding horses to driving cars, nap time to job interviews, finger painting to grocery shopping, tying shoelaces to collecting a first paycheck, learning the alphabet to cooking supper. I could go on.

We help lives get better here at Sipe’s, one small step at a time. I’m grateful that we have been able to touch so many lives, and I’m grateful that so many generous people have helped our work continue. 2010 was a good year.

Jackie Brown has worked with young people for over 25 years. As she says, “I just love kids, especially teenagers. They are absolutely fascinating.”

Having worked in the Department of Social Services and the LINKS program which serves older teens, Jackie was well qualified to consult with the Sipe’s staff in developing the Houston Transitional Living program. Jackie became the program supervisor for Houston in December of 2010. “It was almost like a destiny thing,” she said. “It was the perfect opportunity at the right time to really make a difference for young people in our community.”

Jackie explains that the Houston program is different from anything else around. “Whatever dreams kids have when they come here, they can do. We have deliberate teaching and deliberate learning going on here.”

The Houston program is not structured like a traditional group

home. As Jackie says, “Living at Houston is more like living in your own home but with all the support you can think of.”She adds, “We have homeless kids living as normally as possible in a safe home where they have every opportunity and resource for success. This is a unique program, and I am happy to be a part of it.”

Sipe’s receives calls every day from parents, agencies, schools, and young people themselves, all looking for the services Houston offers. Funding for the program is crucial. “But Houston has to stay open,” Jackie says. “Otherwise a program like this might never happen again in North Carolina.”

The Quality of 2010Brian L. Phelps, CEO

Houston Center Has New Supervisor

Jackie Brown is the new supervisor of the Houston Transitional Living Center.

Continued on next page.

News from theORCHARDThe newsletter of Sipe’s Orchard Home

Published quarterlyThird Class Postage Paid

at Conover, North Carolina office

Sipe’s Orchard Home4431 County Home Road

Conover, NC 28613Telephone: (828) 256-5056

Fax: (828) 256-4031www.sipesorchardhome.org

SIPE’S ORCHARD HOMEBOARD OF DIRECTORS

ChairWarren Hutton

Vice ChairLinda Baker

TreasurerPeter Whitener

SecretaryJohn Millholland

DeLane Leatherman-BowmanJohn CutchinDrew Dodd

Kimberly GeorgePolly Pearson

Martha SowersJudy White

James Whitworth

BOARD MEMBERS EMERITUS

William BurtonRuth Deaton

Robert Gaither, Jr.Hamp Shuford, Jr.

Charles SnipesThomas Warlick

Spring 2010 – Issue 63Sipe’s Orchard Home

4431 County Home RoadConover, NC 28613

(828) 256-5056

Brian L. Phelps, President/CEOMark Morgan, Administrative Vice President

Jim Hunt, Business ManagerCathi McIntyre, Executive Secretary

Nan René Lacy, Director of DevelopmentSheila Moseley, Director of Early Age Ed.

Jackie Brown, Houston Program SupervisorZoe Robertson, Equestrian Specialist

Tony England, Food Services DirectorSteve Cline, Maintenance Supervisor

For more news about Sipe’s please visit www.sipesorchardhome.org

Program Recap for 2010More-at-Four A total of 36 children were enrolled in our two More-at-Four classrooms. Based on fifty different developmental objectives, 70% of those children made progress overall, 30% stayed at the same level, and none regressed. Every student progressed in at least ten objectives; well over 80% progressed in at least 20 objectives. The supplemental Before and After School service continues meeting the need for wrap around care and has been the main reason many parents request the Tyndall Center’s More-at-Four program.

Preschool Eight students were enrolled in the Preschool classroom. 45% of them progressed on the fifty objectives, 55% maintained, and none regressed. Every student progressed in at least twelve objectives; over half progressed in 20 objectives.

Toddlers The toddler classroom opened in November, 2010, filling a need for high quality day care for one and two year olds. The three children served thus far have made noticeable developmental progress.

Summer Camp Seventy children from fifty families stayed busy with horses, crafts, special events, hikes, games, field trips, ice cream, water hoses, talent shows, fishing, swimming, popcorn, sunshine, music, and much more at Sipe’s Huckleberry Summer Camp last summer. The Odom Center, which houses the summer camp, received its five-star rating in August, reflecting the high caliber of our summer program and staff.

Houston The first resident in the Houston Transitional Living Center enrolled in May, 2010. Since then, ten young adults have participated. The details of policies, procedures, and routines are still being worked out, and the staff is still getting acclimated to this service which encourages and expects independence, maturity, and responsibility from the residents. We have been overwhelmed with referrals and hope to expand our capacity soon.

Jackie is originally from Maryland. She came to Hickory in the 1980’s to attend Lenoir-Rhyne University. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in psychology, she stayed in the area. Jackie recently completed her master’s degree in Strategic Leadership from Mountain State University.

Jackie says that her passion is “helping young people move from one phase to another.” She is well-positioned to do that at Sipe’s.

Continued from front cover.

Changing Lives at HoustonA young man in the Houston transitional living program lost his control one night. After the immediate explosion was over, he asked the supervisor, Jackie Brown, if she was mad. She said no, and explained to him that the incident was over, that is was not an emotional or personal issue for her, and that no matter what he did, she and the staff would continue to love and support him.

That response surprised him and changed his attitude. He did not get the angry reaction his background has taught him to expect; there was no hitting or yelling or throwing or kicking him out of the house. Consequently, he was able to think more clearly, to listen, and to understand. From Jackie, he went to the other staff person involved and apologized, and they had a productive and much-needed conversation about his behavior. After that talk he was able to say, “I have an anger problem and I will work on it while I’m here.”

Consistency, a cool head, and a don’t-take-it-personally approach from the staff all help the Houston residents lower their defenses and begin making real changes. Without a reason to fight or run away, this young man gained some insight into his behavior and identified something he wants to make better. That is one of the many small steps we help these young adults make every day.

One Houston Resident’s ExperienceThe following was written by one of the first residents in the Houston Transitional Living program:

My experience as a Sipe’s resident as been very encouraging and strengthening. Before I moved here I was in a domestic violence situation and also homeless. I never thought I would be able to go back to school, get my license or even get approved for an apartment. But once I got here and started setting goals and accomplishing them, the reality became more and more real. There have been some stumps along the road but with a supportive staff and determination I was able to get through and work harder to complete my plan. I am still working on a few other goals but I believe that once I get through the storm I am experiencing now that I will be able to leave the program as a successful, young adult. This program teaches you the skills you need to live and be sufficient and maintain a life and I am so thankful Sipe’s is here to help me at this time in my life.

Government Funds 63,163Rent 20,452Fees 253,815Contributions 515,704Interest 27,897Sales & Misc. 30,894Reserve Fund 231,285 $1,143,210

Fiscal Year Financial SummaryREVENUES EXPENSES

Programs 440,242Maintenance 97,306Livestock 19,486Dietary 97,212Fundraising 86,827Administration 288,740 $1,029,813

Did the Tyndall Center get inspected this year? Yes!

Health Inspections – three times – all superior

Fire Inspections – twice – no suggestions

Building Inspection – once – no suggestions

NC Childcare Consultant – twice – no violations

County Immunization Visit – once – 100% immunized

Smart Start Compliance Visit – once – no violationsRonald McDonald visited the Tyndall Center this year, entertaining all with jokes, tricks, and antics.

More From the Tyndall CenterFor over a decade, the Catawba County Partnership for Children has supported the early childhood programs in the Tyndall Center. With Smart Start funds, the Partnership has supplied Sipe’s with More-at-Four start-up grants, ongoing program grants, equipment, curriculum, training, teacher licensing, and more. The Partnership for Children and More-at-Four work with Sipe’s to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.

Here’s what the Tyndall Center teachers have to say:

• Leaps and bounds! That comes to mind when anyone asks me about the 2010 school year. All of the children made incredible progress both socially and educationally. We are so proud of each and every one of our special children.

• This year our class makeup includes 80% non English speaking students. Only four months into the school year they are able to proficiently verbalize their needs and wants all in English. With all that they have accomplished already their future seems very bright indeed.

• I had one child who needed help with most self-help tasks at the beginning of the school year. She rarely used a spoon at meal times and would not attempt to dress herself or put her coat on. She now functions more independently, following routines and attempting most tasks.

• I had several students with little or no English speaking skills who now communicate their needs using a variety of English words.

• One of my children comes from a home that is anything but ideal. He was very aggressive and didn’t know many basic things like how to hold a pair of scissors. However, after only a few months, his improvement has been remarkable. Today, he rarely shows aggressive behaviors, and he is soaking up information like a sponge.

• One boy in the toddler classroom is an exceptional child with a diagnosis that could limit his abilitiesand development. Within the first two weeks he began mastering goals and making progress in gross motor and fine motor skills. He began going from sitting to standing in only two weeks. He is making progress using a spoon to feed himself. He is gaining social skills by interacting with other children his age.

84 Lumber CompanyA SigncoMs. Pamala AaronMr. & Mrs. Blair AbernathyMr. & Mrs. Patrick J. AbernathyMrs. Virginia AbernathyMs. Donnice AbernethyMrs. Claire L. AdamsMr. & Mrs. Gerald C. AlderferMr. & Mrs. Chris AlexanderMs. Delores A. AlfaroMr. & Mrs. Carl G. AlfreyMr. & Mrs. Patrick Olen AllenMs. Nancy G. AlluredAmerican Legion Post 16Dr. & Mrs. Mark J. AndersonMr. & Mrs. Howard AndersonAnonymous GiftsMr. & Mrs. Harold N. Armstrong, Jr.Armstrong CarsMr. & Mrs. Kenneth ArrowoodMr. William BairdMrs. Linda BakerBassett UpholsteryMs. Maria Kay BatesMrs. C. I. BaucomBB & TMr. Truitt J. BeardMrs. Frances Jones BeattieMr. & Mrs. Richard I. BeattyMiss Shirley BeattyBeaver Family Foundation, Inc.Bed Bath & BeyondMr. & Mrs. W. Scott BedingtonBenco Steel, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Harry L. BerryBest Friends VendingMr. & Mrs. J. Allen BiggerstaffMiss Louise BishopKermit & Ann BlackMrs. Alice K. BlackburnMr. & Mrs. Villard C. BlevinsBlue Ridge SalesJoseph BoehmMr. & Mrs. Alan C. BohlerMr. & Mrs. C. Thomas BolickMr. & Mrs. Neil BolickThe Reverend Partee BoliekDr. & Mrs. John BoolsMr. & Mrs. Terry BostMr. & Mrs. Chester BowmanDuane & DeLane BowmanMr. G. Nathan BowmanJim & Debbie BowmanMr. Jerry BowmanMr. & Mrs. Steven E. BowmanBoy Scout Pack & Troop 454Lisa & Mark BradleyMr. Colin F. BradyDr. & Mrs. David W. BranyonMac & Jewel BrawleyMrs. Paula Houston Brawley

Bremner Food Group, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Frederick W. BrightBrittain Ministries, Inc.Mrs. Suzanne BrockMr. Jeffrey P. BronnenbergDr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Brooks, IIIMr. & Mrs. Thomas Walker BrownMrs. Loretta BuchananMrs. Agnes Willis BuffDonald W. Bumgarner EstateMr. & Mrs. Thomas W. BumgarnerMr. & Mrs. Charles BunnMr. Martin E. BurrowsMr. & Mrs. William E. Burton, Jr.Ms. Caroline BuschMr. & Mrs. J. Michael ButlerMr. & Mrs. John K. ButlerMr. & Mrs. George F. Byers IIIMr. & Mrs. Thomas M. CaldwellCamfil FarrMr. & Mrs. Robert L. Campbell, Jr.Mrs. Phyllis CannonMr. Scotty W. CannonMr. Troy P. Cansler, Jr.Capps, Foster & Company, CPAsCarolina First Associates, LLCCarolina Insurance & Realty Co.Ms. Phyllis CarswellMr. & Mrs. Robert M. CarterMr. & Mrs. Thomas J. CarterMr. Bob CashionCatawba County United Way, Inc.Catawba Elementary SchoolCatawba Hair Styling AcademyCatawba United Methodist ChurchCatawba Valley Early College High SchoolCatawba Valley Finishing, LLCCatawba Valley Golden K Kiwanis ClubCatawba Valley PlumbingMr. & Mrs. John R. CaubleMr. William L. Cauble, Jr.CBSA Architects, Inc.Center United Methodist ChurchCharles Beatty Grading, LLCCharles W. CampbellMrs. Margaret M. ChathamDr. & Mrs. Scott T. ChathamMr. Steve CherryChicago Title Insurance CompanyMr. & Mrs. Farrell D. ChildersMr. & Mrs. Joseph E. ChildersMs. Betty ClarkMr. Warren ClarkClark Insurance Service, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Terry C. ClineMr. Frank C. CloningerRuth C. ClontzClontz Appliance RepairMr. & Mrs. Don ColemanMr. & Mrs. J. Greg ColeyMr. & Mrs. Randy CollinsMr. William J. Comby

CommScope, Inc.Concord Baptist ChurchConover Chiropractic CenterConover Duplicate Bridge ClubMr. Donald CorbettMs. Joyce G. CorbettCorning Incorporated FoundationMr. Charles R. CorriherMr. William H. CoxMr. & Mrs. Carl CraigMrs. Lynda CraigMr. & Mrs. Rik CraigMr. & Mrs. Scott M. CranfordMr. & Mrs. Bois D. CrockerMr. Gregory CrockerMr. & Mrs. Ralph CunninghamMr. & Mrs. John F. CutchinMr. & Mrs. J. Lester Dabbs, Jr.Mr. Jack C. Dabbs IIMr. & Mrs. Dennis W. DagenhardtMr. & Mrs. Elmon F. Dale, Jr.Ms. Ethel D. DaleDale Earnhardt ChevroletDavidson, Holland, Whitesell & Co., PLLCMrs. Erica Turner DavisMr. & Mrs. Gerald D. DavisDr. & Mrs. John W. DavisRobert & Vickie DavisDr. & Mrs. Troy L. DayMr. Lewis W. DealMr. & Mrs. Roger W. DealDr. & Mrs. Hugo L. DeatonMrs. Pauline J. DeHartMr. & Mrs. Everette L. DellingerDr. & Mrs. John DePerczelDesignmaster FurnitureMr. & Mrs. Thomas F. DevlinMr. & Mrs. Ridge DeWittMr. & Mrs. Greg DiamontiMrs. Janette DockeryMr. & Mrs. Andrew DoddDollar GeneralMr. & Mrs. David DotsonMrs. Leila B. DoughtonDraka ComteqDRF Enterprises, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Huitt Drum, Sr.Ms. Lora DrumMr. & Mrs. Jerome EadesMr. & Mrs. Derek S. EastonMrs. Pinkie EckardMr. Tony L. EckardEdward Batten CompanyMr. & Mrs. Jim EdwardsMrs. Margaret C. EdwardsMr. & Mrs. Wendell EichEmbroidery HeavenEpiscopal Church of the EpiphanyDr. & Mrs. James C. FahlMrs. Nan D. FanjoyFiber-Line, Inc.Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

Many thanks to the following individuals, businesses, foundations, churches, civic groups,and others who supported Sipe’s in 2010:

Mr. & Mrs. Leonard FidlerFirst United Methodist ChurchMr. & Mrs. Marshall FisherMrs. Katie S. FlemingMrs. Kenneth FlowersMrs. Peggy Frye FlowersMr. Robert FloydFood LionMs. Kittie ForbesDr. & Mrs. Alan G. ForsheyDr. & Mrs. J. Thomas FosterFoundation for the CarolinasFOUR H-CHES LLCMr. & Dr. Samuel FowlerMr. & Mrs. Jerry FrancisMr. & Mrs. Richard E. FrankDr. Nicholas & Kim FrankelMs. Jean FransFred & Sherry Abernethy FoundationMrs. Ann L. FreemanConnie L. FrenierMrs. Margeret FryeDr. Steven R. FryeMr. Warren L. FryeFrye Regional Medical CenterMrs. Libby FulbrightMr. & Mrs. Jerry FulcherMr. Gary FultonMr. & Mrs. J. Michael GaitherMr. & Mrs. J. Robert Gaither, Jr.Ms. Mary Adelaide GalphinMs. Reshma V. GangwaniDr. & Mrs. Richard M. Garlitz

Nan Lacy, Sipe’s Development Director (left) and Becca Bender, Americorp/Vista Service Coordinator, unload Christmas stockings from Lenoir-Rhyne University students for the children at Sipe’s.

Mr. & Mrs. William J. GarlowMr. & Mrs. Everett GarmonMrs. Nadee GarnerMr. Kenneth GarrettGDSGeneral MillsGeneral MillsGenworth FinancialMr. & Mrs. Boyd L. GeorgeGeorge & Sally Blackwelder FoundationGeorge A. Moretz Family Foundation, Inc.George FoundationDr. and Mrs. Edward R. GerrardMr. & Mrs. Farrell R. GilbertMr. & Mrs. John J. Glasheen, Jr.Glen Oaks Golf ClubMrs. Edward J. GomedelaMr. & Mrs. Bob GosnellGrace Reformed United Church Of ChristMr. & Mrs. Stephen L. GraffMr. & Mrs. David GraffagninoMs. Velva A. GravesMr. H. M. GreeneMr. Roger Steven GrindstaffJoel Grove & Jill FredericksonDr. & Mrs. Guy Joseph GuarinoMs. Marion GwaltneyDr. & Mrs. William H. GwynnH & W Drug Co., Inc.Dr. & Mrs. Harold I. HaasMr. & Mrs. William L. Hairston IIIMr. & Mrs. Roger Hairston-PorterMrs. Anne S. Hall

Ms. Dot HammondMr. & Mrs. Ronald D. HamptonMs. Janet HannahMr. Martin HansMrs. Raymond H. HansmannTony Hanson & Cathy HunsuckerDr. & Mrs. David HardawayDr. & Mrs. Steve D. HarlanMr. W. Cordell HarrisMrs. Anne G. HarrisonMr. & Mrs. Robert W. Hart, IIIMr. & Mrs. Rick D. HartfordMs. Sharon W. HarwoodMr. & Mrs. Donald W. HastingsMr. & Mrs. Wallace G. HatchMr. Peter L. HauserMr. Harold HawnAgnes HaydenHealthstatDr. & Mrs. Brian P. HearonMr. Don HeavnerMr. J. Kenneth HedrickMr. & Mrs. Charles Huggins HelmsMr. & Mrs. John HemmingsRebecca L Henderson-GowMs. Lorene HenryMrs. Madolyn C. HenryMr. & Mrs. David HermanMr. & Mrs. Ernest W. HermanMr. Thomas L. HewittHickory Christian Academy PreschoolHickory Saw & Tool, Inc.Hickory Sheet Metal EmployeesMr. & Mrs. Ronald G. HightHK Research CorpDr. & Mrs. James R. HodgesHoke Lumber CoMr. & Mrs. Kent HolcombMr. & Mrs. Charles Vance HollandHollar Tractor Parts CompanyMrs. William D. HollowayMr. & Mrs. Douglas E. HolmanMr. & Mrs. James HolshouserDr. & Mrs. Larry HoltDr. & Mrs. William E. HoltHoly Cross Lutheran ChurchLaura Jo HopsonMs. Doris HouserMr. & Mrs. Frank M. HoustonMr. & Mrs. Richard F. HowardMr. & Mrs. Steve HoyleMs. Myrtle Dabbs HubbardRobert G. Hubbard & Constance S. PondMr. Steven Gregg HubbardMr. & Mrs. Dolan L. HuffmanMr. & Mrs. J. Mike HuffmanMr. Willard W. HuffmanMr. John A. HulinMr. & Mrs. Jim HuntMr. & Mrs. John R. Hutchins IIIMr. & Mrs. George N. Hutton, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Warren A. HuttonMr. Barry IcardImagine One Resources, LLCMr. Michael InduniMr. & Mrs. Jerome IngleDr. & Mrs. Joseph T. Inglefield III

Mr. Paul IngramMs. Frances R. InscoeInterstate Foam & SupplyMr. & Mrs. Dallas L. IsenhourMr. & Mrs. William J. IsenhourDr. & Mrs. Joseph A. IsenhowerMr. & Mrs. W. Stine IsenhowerJ. Steven Brackett Law OfficeJack Runnion FoundationMr. & Mrs. Dale A. JarrettMr. & Mrs. Ned M. JarrettMr. & Mrs. Ron JerniganMs. Suzette JettMr. Larry D. JohnsonMr. & Mrs. Thad JohnsonMr. Cecil JohnstonMr. & Mrs. Thomas W. JohnstonMr. & Mrs. Douglas S. JonesMs. Ellen Neill JonesMr. & Mrs. Erik W. JordanJWI Builders, Inc.Ms. Jodie KanipeMs. Kim KaylorKCBMs. Kathy KeaneMr. Albert Keiser, Jr.Ms. Debbie KennedyMr. & Mrs. James P. KerrMr. Tommy KillianKillian’s Lawn & Garden SupermarketMs. Connie KincaidMr. Dan W. KirbyMr. Fred M. Kirby, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Kregg KirbyMs. Beverly KirkpatrickMr. & Mrs. Donald J. KnappMr. & Mrs. Allan C. KoehlerMs. Karen E. KuehlKulynych Family Foundation I, Inc.Raeanne KummerMr. & Mrs. William J. KupetzMr. & Mrs. Steve LackeyFirst United Methodist Church Ladies Bible ClassMr. & Mrs. Robert N. LaffonMs. Martha LambMr. & Mrs. Michael S. LaneMr. D. Andrew LawingMr. Forrest L. LawingMrs. Kemit O. LawingMr. & Mrs. William J. LawingMr. & Mrs. William N. LawingDr. & Mrs. John LeachMr. & Mrs. Jeff LeagonMr. & Mrs. John W. LeagonMr. Ronald LeathermanMrs. Delores J. LedbetterMr. & Mrs. Albert C. LeeLee IndustriesMr. & Mrs. A. G. LeedsDr. & Mrs. W. Hampton LeflerMrs. Alma W. LeinbachMr. & Mrs. John LenoirLenoir Rhyne UniversityMr. & Mrs. Jearld LeonhardtDr. & Mrs. Robert L. LiljebergMr. & Mrs. Hal Lingerfelt

Mrs. Peggy Coley LippardMr. & Mrs. Ron O. LivingstonMr. & Mrs. Eric LoganMrs. Mae C. LongMr. & Mrs. Mike T. LongMr. & Mrs. Robert L. LongMr. & Mrs. Roy Wayne LongLoudonya Hosiery Mill Sales, Inc.Ms. Karol LoweryMr. & Mrs. Britton H. LowryMr. & Mrs. Richard Eddy LutzMr. & Mrs. Todd S. LynnMr. Sandy LyonsMr. & Mrs. Larry Maher, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy MakarMr. & Mrs. Glenn MartinMrs. JoAnne M. MartinMs. Laura A. MartinCol. Billie MathesonMs. Frankie M. MatthewsMr. & Mrs. Bennett G. MauneyMr. & Mrs. Pete MayoMr. William E. McCabeMs. Teresa McCaslinMcDonald’sMr. William McDowellMrs. J. R. McGinnisMrs. Cathi McIntyreMs. Janice McNeilMrs. Betty Sigmon McReeMrs. Johnnie G. MeltonMr. Ken MeyerMr. & Mrs. Marcus C. MidgettMill Creek Middle SchoolMrs. H. Grady Miller, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Bobby R. MillerMrs. Carroll O. MillerMr. & Mrs. Cory S. MillerMrs. Gail MillerMr. & Mrs. J. Max MillerMs. Jennifer MillerMr. & Mrs. Dick MillerMrs. Sheila MillerMr. William B. MillerMiller & AssociatesMrs. Kenneth K. MillhollandMr. & Mrs. John T. MillsMr. Charles T. MitchellMr. Lewis N. MitchellMr. & Mrs. John ModeMrs. Hilda G. MoffittMr. & Mrs. Will MonroeAmy MooreMs. Carol MooreMs. Catherine MooreMr. & Mrs. David MooreMoose Lodge #1312Mr. Michael MoranMr. & Mrs. George A. MoretzMs. Lillian B. MoretzMrs. C. Aubrey MoretzMoretz and Sipe, Inc.Mr. E. J. MorganMr. & Mrs. Mark C. MorganMr. & Mrs. Lee E. Moritz, Jr.Ms. Gina MorrisMs. Elizabeth P. Morse

Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Moss Jr.Mountain Creek RanchMt. Zion Lutheran ChurchMr. Vance Lee MuncyMs. Vergie MundySylvia F. MurrellNancy & Udean Burke FoundationMr. E. Van NanceMrs. Martha NeblettMr. Malcolm C. NelsonJane Barber, Scott Nephew & boys New Grace Baptist ChurchMr. & Mrs. Jeff NewcombMr. William J. NewcombMrs. Elizabeth NewsomMr. Brooks NicholsMrs. J. C. NoggleNormtex, Inc.North Carolina Community FoundationMr. Donald C. O’HairOld St. Paul’s Lutheran ChurchMr. & Mrs. James OliphantMs. Aggie OwenMrs. Margery S. OwsleyDr. Susan PabstPacific SunwearPanda Restaurant Group, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Martin PannellMr. & Mrs. Gus PappasMs. Carolyn ParsleyMrs. Hazel ParsonsMrs. Nick PatellaPatricia C. PattonMrs. Susannah Dell PattonMs. Ingrid PeakeMs. Polly PearsonDr. & Mrs. William M. PekmanMrs. Alene J. PeperPepsi-Cola Bottling Co.Ms. Candace D. PerryDr. & Mrs. Robert L. PetersonClaude H. Petty & Sharon L. Scharf Mr. & Mrs. Richard G. PfefferkornMs. Angela PhillipsMr. James E. Phillips

Jesika Fitzgerald, a student at Catawba Valley Early College High School, collected winter coats for the Sipe’s children as a school service project. Jesika is pictured here with one of the many armloads of coats she delivered.

Piedmont Contract Estimator’s AssociationPiedmont PathologyMrs. Eva PittsMs. Janice Caldwell PittsPlastic Packaging, Inc.Plateau United Methodist Church WomenMr. Fred A. PooveyMr. & Mrs. Ronald PooveyMr. & Mrs. Danny PopeMrs. Edith Beach PoteatPowder River Technologies, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Charles R. PowellMs. Louise PowellPrecision Paving, Inc.Mr. Robert Alex PriceMr. & Mrs. Cloyd H. Propst, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Randy PropstMr. & Mrs. Clarence L. PughQuilt by Design, Inc.Mr. Roy Rankin & Mr. Duane SmithMr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Rasmussen, Jr.Miss Alice C. ReavesRecord Properties, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Jesse M. RectorMr. & Mrs. John RectorDr. Chris ReeseMr. & Mrs. Richard ReeseMrs. Elizabeth H. ReevesMr. Harold E. ReitzelRev. & Mrs. C. Henry RendlemanMr. & Mrs. Joseph ReynoldsAccountability Svcs of Catawba Co. SchoolsMr. James RiceMr. & Mrs. Wayne RiceMr. & Mrs. Bradley L. RicheyRick Berry DesignMr. & Mrs. Francis M. RinkMr. & Mrs. Michael RobbinsMr. & Mrs. Walter E. RobertsonMr. C. Leon Robinson

Mrs. Carol S. RobinsonMr. Larry E. RobinsonRockTenn Co.Mr. & Mrs. Robert RorieLt. Col. (Ret.) & Mrs. Ronald R. RoscoeMrs. Adele H. RosemanRotary Club of Catawba ValleyMrs. Hazel S. RoweMrs. Joan B. RoweMr. & Mrs. James D. RunyonRuth’s Place, LLCMr. & Mrs. Larry RyanMr. & Mrs. Kenneth SaineSaint Joseph’s Catholic ChurchMrs. Doris D. SandersSandy Ridge Wesleyan ChurchMrs. S. L. SchillingerMr. Ed SchottMr. & Mrs. Thomas L. SchultzSchwab Charitable FundMr. & Mrs. W. S. ScogginsMr. John G. ScottMrs. Virginia Foard ScottSharon M. ScronceMr. & Mrs. Wilbert W. SeabockMs. Sandra SefcikMr. & Mrs. Carl H. SeitzMr. & Mrs. Harold SetzerMr. Hoyle C. Setzer, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Jacob L. SetzerDrs. David & Marilyn SeymourMr. & Mrs. J. Smith SharpeMr. & Mrs. Ralph P. ShellShell’s Bar-B-QueMr. & Mrs. Fred Lee Sherrill, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Joe SherrillMr. Maison Wayne SherrillMr. & Mrs. Glenn C. ShoafMs. Sylvia ShookMr. & Mrs. Bert K. ShowfetyMr. A. Alex ShufordMr. & Mrs. Scott ShufordMr. & Mrs. Steve M. ShufordMs. Rachel SigmanMr. & Mrs. Allen SigmonMr. & Mrs. James SigmonMrs. Jane K. SigmonMr. Leslie C. SigmonMr. & Mrs. Bob SigmonMr. & Mrs. Russell G. SigmonMr. & Mrs. Ernie K. SillsMr. & Mrs. Robert SimmonsMary Ann SimpsonMrs. Rebecca SimpsonMrs. Carol Tyler SinclairSherry Sellers SipeV. O. & Viola Sipe EstateRev. & Mrs. Gustav SittmannMr. & Mrs. C. Nathan SlackMr. Robert M. SloanMs. Barbara SloopMr. & Mrs. David SmallMr. & Mrs. Gerald L. SmithMrs. Jenifer Stewart SmithDr. & Mrs. K. Wayne SmithMrs. Linda C. SmithLloyd & Saundra Smith

Mr. & Mrs. Phil SmithMr. Robert L. SmithSqueak & Connie SmithSmoke This BBQ, LLCMr. & Mrs. Charles M. SnipesSnow Creek Elementary SchoolMr. & Mrs. Alan Peter SobotkinDr. & Mrs. Jerry William Sowers Jr.Mrs. Deborah SpencerRuby SpencerMs. Lisa SpruellSt. Alban’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Aloysius Catholic ChurchSt. Luke’s United Methodist ChurchFellowship Bible Class St. Stephens Elementary SchoolSt. Stephens High SchoolSt. Stephens Lutheran SchoolSt. Timothy Lutheran ChurchMr. & Mrs. Darrell StaffordMr. & Mrs. Reuben StearnsMr. & Mrs. James A. StewartMr. & Mrs. Robert Christopher Stretch-n-GrowStyle Upholstering, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Brad SullivanMr. & Mrs. Jim SummerlinSutter Street ManufacturingMr. Ronald A. SyrkoMr. & Mrs. Thornton TappyMs. Virginia Bass TateMrs. Jeanne S. TaylorMrs. Mary Ann TaylorMr. & Mrs. R. Douglas TaylorJeff & Kim TeagueTechnibilt LTDMr. & Mrs. Lee TeeterThe Community Foundation of Western NCThe GE FoundationThe Law Offices of John F. Cutchin, P.A.The Ultrasound Inc.The Unifour Foundation Inc.The University of Texas Longhorn BasketballTherapeutic TechniquesMr. & Mrs. Ralph E. ThomasReverend & Mrs. Fred E. ThompsonMs. Patricia ThompsonThornburg’s Florist, Gifts & InteriorsThrivent Investment ManagementMs. Donna L. TilleyMrs. Lavinia B. TillotsonTri-City Christian School BETA ClubTriangle United WayTrinity Reformed United Church of ChristTruistMs. Mavis Hill TulluckMr. & Mrs. Kenneth R. TurnmyreMs. Melissa TyndallDr. & Mrs. William E. TyndallTyndall & BergwallUnited Way of Central IndianaUnited Way of SE PennsylvaniaMr. & Mrs. Wayne VaughnVesco Industrial Trucks of Hickory, Inc.Vintage Village Inc.Voiture 1441 40&8Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. Vollinger

John Walker (left) and David Deal (center) of the Professional Construction Estimators Association (PCEA) stand with Development Director Nan Lacy and the gifts they brought to Sipe’s. The PCEA has supported Sipe’s with Christmas donations for many years.

Mr. & Mrs. Dale P. WrightMr. & Mrs. James M. WrightMrs. Ruby Brown WylyMr. Cyril R. YanceyMr. Glenn E. YountMr. and Mrs. Joe B. YountMr. M. V. YountMr. Robert Zorn

Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. VollingerMr. & Mrs. Frank Von DrehleVon Drehle Corporation Private FoundationW & W ServicesWachovia SecuritiesMs. Tressa ClineWal-Mart FoundationWal-mart Store #4224Wal-Mart Store #948WalgreensKatheryn M. WalkerMr. & Mrs. Robert G. Walker, Jr.Wallace PrintingMr. Billy WardMr. & Mrs. Wade Henry WardDeacon Anita WareMr. & Mrs. Carl WarrenWater Tech Labs, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Danny L. WatersMr. & Mrs. Jess G. WatersMrs. Sharon C. WatsonMr. & Mrs. William M. WattsMs. Blanche WeaverMr. & Mrs. Pierce WebsterWee Mount-N-FrameMr. & Mrs. Thomas H. WeirWells Fargo BankMrs. Darlene B. WentzMr. & Mrs. Robert A. Wessels, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. T. Al Wheeler, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Barry WhisnantMrs. Eugenia S. Whisnant

Whisnant & CompanyMs. Beverly WhiteMr. & Mrs. Jerry E. WhiteMs. Judy WhiteMr. & Mrs. Mark J. WhiteMr. & Mrs. Donald WhitenerMr. & Mrs. J. David WhitenerMr. & Mrs. Peter W. WhitenerMr. & Mrs. James M. Whitworth, Jr.Mrs. Anna T. WikeWilco Food CourtMrs. Dorothy M. WilcoxMr. & Mrs. C. John WileyMr. & Mrs. Christopher WileyMs. Jerri WilfongMr. & Mrs. Avery WilfongDana L. WilliamsMr. & Mrs. Dale WilliamsMr. & Mrs. L. Samuel Williams, Jr.Ms. Mary WilliamsDr. & Mrs. Randal J. WilliamsMr. & Mrs. Charles WillinghamMrs. Nancy W. WillinghamMs. Alycen D. WilsonMr. & Mrs. James N. WilsonMr. & Mrs. Jan WilsonMs. Joyce WilsonDr. & Mrs. H. Gray Winfield IIIMr. & Mrs. Gary WithersWNNC/WAIZ RadioWoodlawn Baptist ChurchMr. & Mrs. Robert F. Wrigglesworth

Cliff and GailAccording to Clifford Allen, he and his wife, Gail, have over 100 years of horse-handling experience between them. They are sharingthat experience with Sipe’s now as volunteers with the equestrian program.

Zoe Robertson, Sipe’s equestrian manager, is thrilled that Cliff and Gail have come to Sipe’s. “They’re wonderful with the horses,” she says. “Cliff does a lot of our ground work, teaching the horses good manners. Gail is invaluable helping the children learn to ride.”

The Allens’ history with horses is long and varied. They have worked with everything from draft horses to minis, including Arabians, Saddlebreds, Standardbreds, Clydesdales, and Belgians. They’ve bred and birthed, shown and raced, and bought and sold horses.

Cliff and Gail are originally from Maine. Besides their equestrian pursuits, Cliff has also operated several businesses, Gail was a teacher, and they were both Sherriff’s deputies. They moved to Florida where they owned and operated an Arabian horse farm. Now living in Newton, they became acquainted with Ms. Robertson through the local 4-H program which meets and rides at Sipe’s. The horses, the children, and Zoe’s enthusiasm won them over, and they’ve been a unique asset for Sipe’s ever since.

Cliff and Gail Allen with FiFi at the Sipe’s barn.

2010 Development Office Activities

Special Events 12Presentations 28Campus Visits 67Volunteers Involved 153Planning Meetings 39Mailings 10Pieces Mailed 80,000Print Advertising 12Radio Advertising 63Press Releases 16Donor Calls 23Publications 12Contributions $553,482

Member Agency ofCatawba County United Way

Sipe’s Orchard Home4431 County Home Road

Conover, NC 28613

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCONOVER, NC 28613

PERMIT #5

Sipe’s Offers Five-Star Care for Toddlers

To help alleviate the long waiting list in Catawba County for quality daycare for one and two year olds, Sipe’s opened a toddler classroom in November, 2010.

Using the same curriculum approach as the other Tyndall Center classrooms, the toddlers learn through playing. With individualized screenings, parent conferences, goals, and objectives, the toddlers benefit from the resources and expertise of the five-star Tyndall Center.

Sheila Moseley, the Director of Early Age Education, says that the toddlers are always changing. “At this age they’re developing so fast,” she explains, “that every day it seems someone does something new, whether it’s drink from a cup or take a first step or learn a new word.”

She adds, “And they’re all such cuddle-bugs who are always happy to settle in your lap for a book or a nap.”

There are spaces currently available, and Ms. Moseley hopes the program will expand this coming year with additional children and teachers. Call her at extension 316 for more information. The Tyndall Center toddlers learn something new every day.