“…on the people of our part of Appalachia, and most of our efforts directly concern this community’s school-age children. … We are now participating in a Harlan County experimental school breakfast program, made possible as part of the Federal School Lunch program under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. …The extra work [on the part of both the Settlement School and public school employees] is well justified by the overwhelming participation of the children….”<\/em> <\/p>DEAR FRIEND Letter from Burton Rogers,1968 May, page 1. [1968BurtonRogerstoFriend2.jpg]<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nAnother school project “provides tutoring sessions for certain pupils with very special needs.”<\/em> Staff members are helping students do independent research projects in the library and receive personal counseling as well as assisting with building maintenance which Rogers describes. PMSS and community families cooperated in a fundraising chicken supper; the Girl Scouts took handmade toys and a program to a children’s home.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPage 2 of 2<\/strong>
Rogers describes drama projects, such as “Ferdinand the Bull” with paper bag puppets and “Rumpelstiltskin.” <\/p>\n\n\n\nGroups that shared PMSS buildings and grounds “ranged from U.S. State Department foreign service trainees needing a meeting place where ‘grass roots’ efforts can be observed, to a group of volunteers working in ‘grass roots’ efforts in Eastern Kentucky….”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nRogers lists plans for the summer, such as hosting groups, providing programs for the young people and growing cane for sorghum and broom corn from fireplace brooms, as well as the usual activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rogers then writes about the challenges in Appalachia. PMSS’s contributions make a difference but “an unlimited need still surrounds us.”<\/em> We must be dedicated not only to the “best development of human resources” <\/em>but also of the wise use of natural resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n” The full-time efforts of [PMSS] toward a rounded education for community youth and a concerned and participating community of adults are scarcely adequate. We need all possible assistance from our friends to be financially able to continue a wide spread of activities, and for encouragement and support as the nation makes decisions affecting Appalachian programs.”<\/em>
“Sincerely yours,
<\/em>[signed] Burton Rogers, Director”<\/em><\/p>DEAR FRIEND Letter 1968 May from Burton Rogers, page 2. [1968MayBurtonRogersto Friend3.jpg]<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nGALLERY<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t