Red Springs Citizen - March 21, 2007
FLORA MACDONALD LEGACY FOUNDATION
SCHEDULES WORKSHOPS IN 2007
AND THE NEXT BALL IN 2008
The Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation announced this past Monday that they will be offering dance workshops at the 2007 Flora Macdonald Highland Games but will not be producing the next Ball until October of 2008. The board made this decision in a recent meeting citing the importance of building a strong plan for the future. "We could not have been more pleased with the response and success of this past year's Ball,” stated board member Patsy Conoley, "however it is important at this juncture to build on this success as we encourage more community support and participation. This new timetable will not only allow us to build and strengthen the organization, it will afford us the opportunity to insure that we can consistently deliver a celebration that we can all be proud of for years to come.”
Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation sponsored dance workshops during
the 2006 Highland Games and will sponsor them again in 2007
Gaitley Mathews, another board member, expressed that as much as the
Foundation would love to produce the ball this coming year he also felt that the longevity of the Foundation and the annual ball was much more important than producing a ball for two consecutive years in the organization’s infancy. "We are here for the long-haul," stated Mathews, "and it is essential that we move from strength to strength as we honor graduates from the institutions that have been housed on the campus and produce a celebration and fund-raiser that can make a significant impact on the community."
"Waves of Tory" was one of many dances taught at the 2006 Flora Macdonald Ball.
The Legacy Foundation will produce the next ball in 2008.
Eleanor McNeil Fields - a Flora Macdonald College graduate and member of the board of directors of the FMLF emphasized that while the Ball will not be held until 2008, alumnae involved in the foundation are planning gatherings this year for Flora Macdonald College and Vardell Hall graduates as well as other fundraising and cultural events. "Yes, the ball will generally serve as our main event each year, however, our mission is broader than this one event," stated Fields.
 
2006 Flora Macdonald Legacy Award: Jean and Tommy Ammons and Frances S. McNeill
As part of the Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation's commitment to recognizing outstanding
contributions by those in the community, the foundation will again present the Flora
Macdonald Legacy Award, the Vardell Award and the Petronella Award at the 2008
Ball (see tab at left titled "Awards").
Red Springs Mayor and fellow Legacy Foundation board member George Paris reflected similar sentiments in regard to the foundation's future when he stated, "We are at a good place and, thanks to everyone's hard work, we have accomplished much in a relatively short period of time. Yet we want to make sure we continue this momentum as we take the organization to the next level."
The Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve the historical significance of the campus and region while also promoting arts in the area. The foundation's board is comprised of graduates of all three institutions of learning that have been housed on the Flora Macdonald Campus as well as from leaders in the community who share an interest in the rich history of the campus and region. Individuals interested in supporting the foundation, volunteering on a committee or learning more about upcoming events are encouraged to visit the foundation's website at www.floramacdonaldball.com.
Red Springs Citizen - October 11, 2006
Over 200 attend
First Annual Ball
Over two hundred guests attended the first annual Flora Macdonald Ball held in Red Springs (NC) this past Saturday evening. Sponsored by the newly formed Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation, the ball is intended as a homecoming for those from the region and for Alumnae and Alumni who have attended the three institutions of learning that have been housed on the Flora Macdonald Campus. Many from the Scottish country and contra dance communities and those who were at the Flora Macdonald Highland Games were also in attendance.
   Dancers, Alumnae and friends gather!
Guests entered the rotunda area of the main building of the campus at 7:00 PM to the playing of the harp by Valerie Stancik of Pinehurst (NC). This was followed by light refreshments provided by the Gibson family. At 7:30 all guests lined up for the Grand March led by bagpiper Bill Caudill. The March was lead by co-chairs of the ball, Rosalynde Gibson Cowdrey and Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews. Behind the ball co-chairs were fifteen of the descendants of Dr. Charles Graves Vardell (college founder) and his wife Linda Lee Vardell (founder of the music conservatory). Margaret Vardell Sandresky, matriarch of the family, lead the descendents of this "first family" of the campus. Behind the Vardells were graduates of Flora Macdonald College, Vardell Hall and Flora Macdonald Academy. These alumnae and alumni were followed by members of the Scottish country and contra dance communities and by many other friends and guests. As is the tradition of a Grand March, the procession formed a Saint Andrews cross and then ended facing the stage for the singing of the national anthem. At the close of the anthem couples formed sets to dance a series of folk and ballroom dances that were taught by those leading the dance program.
At intermission three awards were presented: the Flora Macdonald Legacy Award was presented to Tommy and Jean Ammons of the Flora Macdonald Highland Games and to Frances S. McNeill, alumna of Flora Macdonald College; the Petronella Award was presented to Patricia Johnston of the Raleigh Scottish Country Dancers and to DeeDee Laurilliard of the Triangle Country Dancers; and, the Vardell Award was presented to the Vardell family. The recipients were presented with plaques bearing the image of Flora Macdonald, and their names have been added to perpetual plaques which will be housed at the Red Springs Museum with future recipients' names added to these plaques.
 Flora Macdonald College graduates and descendants of Charles Graves and Linda
Lee Rumple Vardell.
Flora Macdonald Academy alumna Todd Buie Weaver coordinated the refreshments along with Flora Macdonald College alumna Gussie McDonald, Vardell Hall alumna Ginny Powers, and Marjory Jones of the Raleigh Scottish Country Dancers. Many others from the community also provided items for the table.
Those involved in the silent auction included Flora Macdonald College alumna Rosalynde Gibson Cowdrey, Vardell Hall alumna Barbara Todd Taylor, Red Springs resident Terry Powers, and New York resident, Claire Cowdrey Ojeda - daughter of ball co-chair Rosalynde Cowdrey.
During the course of the evening alumnae and alumni were invited into the parlors for group singing that included many Scottish tunes as well as the Alma Maters of the three institutions of learning that have been housed on the campus and the Red Springs High School song in recognition of those from the region who attended the local high school. The singing was led by Flora Macdonald College graduate Jane McPhaul and by Scottish folk singer, Flora Macdonald Gammon.
The Masters-of-Ceremony for the ball were the ball co-chairs with Jack Pressley of the Charlotte Scottish Country Dancers leading the dance portion of the evening. Flora Macdonald College alumnae Gale Simpson Lewis and Rebecca Williams Bracey sponsored a pre-ball dinner, musicians for the evening were fiddler Mara Shea and pianist Dave Wiesler and sound was provided by Ron Ammons. Sonny Patterson who has been an employee on the campus for more than 20 years oversaw the facility during the evening. Legacy Foundation Board members, Patsy Conoley and Karen Poppele, served as coordinators for the evening's festivities and Debra Duncan of Red Springs and her daughter and Ball Apprentice Laura Duncan oversaw decorations.
Alumnae liaisons for this year's ball were Rebecca Williams Bracey for Flora Macdonald College, Moye Hinds Lowe for Vardell Hall and Patricia Watson Price for Flora Macdonald Academy. Refreshments for the Post-Ball reception were provided by Vardell Hall graduates and were coordinated by Mrs. Lowe. Others involved in the evening included Janette Hopper, Jean Marie McManus, Gladys McCain Kerr, Eleanor McNeill Fields, Mary Coleman Weaver, Richard Gay, Tim Rumph, Lesley Covington, Cynthia Boyles, Jeannette Tiemissen, Doug Frazier and Libit Woodington.
The Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve the historical significance of the campus and region while also promoting arts in the area. If interested in supporting the foundation or learning more about the organization and the annual ball you may visit their website at www.floramacdonaldball.com. The next ball is scheduled for October 4, 2008. See website for details.
Red Springs Citizen 11/9/05
Mayor Joins
Legacy Foundation
The newly created Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation recently added to its ranks Red Springs Mayor George T. Paris. In an interview this past Friday Mr. Paris stated that he felt the foundation and its mission was well worth supporting and that the addition of the Flora Macdonald Ball would not only provide a wonderful homecoming for those who have attended school on the campus but would also provide a source of pride for many in the Red Springs area and across the state. Others currently serving on the board include Vardell Hall Alumna Mary C. Weaver, Flora Macdonald College Alumna Eleanor M. Fields, Flora Macdonald Academy Alumni (Robert) Gaitley Mathews and Barbara Youngman. Ms. Youngman, who currently resides in Cary, is a certified Scottish Country Dance teacher, serves as secretary of the Raleigh Scottish Country Dancers and will be lending her talents to the Ball Committee as well as serving as treasurer for the foundation. Others lending their support to the ball as committee members or as liaisons to the organization include Rosalynde Gibson Cowdrey, Janette Hopper, Jane McManus Eastman, John Bowman, Claire Ojeda, Julia McManus Love, Charles T. Johnson Jr., MD, Jean McManus, Emily Whittle, Martha Gaitley Donahue, Joan McManus Barnes, Flora Macdonald Gammon, Patricia Johnstone, Moye Hinds Lowe, Douglas Young, Stella Fog and Mrs. Daniel L McArthur.
Red Springs Citizen Newspaper - June 14, 2006
Flora Macdonald Ball Sponsor
Gains Tax-exempt Status
Eleanor McNeill Fields, Documents Secretary for the Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation, announced yesterday that as of June 1, 2006, the foundation had obtained 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as a nonprofit public charity. What this means in practical terms for the foundation is that contributions made by individuals, corporations, and other funding sources to the organization can now be considered tax deductible, as allowed by law. “This is a significant step,” said Fields when interviewed at her home in Red Springs this past Tuesday. Fields, who is a second generation Flora Macdonald College graduate and a founding board member of the Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation, stated that she felt much of the credit for this achievement is due to the hard work of the board, the dedication of the various committees, and the help and support of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits and the Law Firm of Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP, located in Raleigh. While the board had its work cut out for them in projecting budgets, creating a mission statement, and establishing articles of incorporation, the law firm of Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP, helped the organization with the necessary documentation in applying for nonprofit status and provided this assistance as a community service. “We were very appreciative,” stated Fields, “for the help we got from the firm in Raleigh.”
Information on the Flora Macdonald Ball can be found at www.floramacdonldball.com or by calling (910) 307-0090. Information on the Flora Macdonald Highland Games can be found at www.capefearscots.com or by calling (910) 843-5000.
The Flora Macdonald Ball will be held on October 7, 2006 at 7:00 pm on the Flora Macdonald Campus. Ticket are $15.00 per person and order forms are available at the Red Springs Museum or on-line at the website noted above. Those interested in attending the ball or making a contribution can mail a check payable to the “Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation” to Karen Poppele, Treasurer, Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation, 255 East Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines, NC 28387. Your address and contact phone number should be included in correspondence so that the foundation can verify receipt.
Red Springs Citizen Newspaper - June 21, 2006
Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation
Announces Apprenticeship Programs
Joan McManus Barnes and Michelle Odum Black announced this past Tuesday that the Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation is creating two apprentice programs in association with the Flora Macdonald Ball. Thirteen students will be chosen by the Apprentice Committee to be involved in the project. Those chosen will serve as Administrative Apprentice and/or Dance Apprentices. Criteria for selection will include: a commitment to the mission of the ball and the foundation, interest in learning more about the administrative and creative aspects of producing a ball, and a desire to learn more about the rich history of the Cape Fear Region.
A short paragraph including an explanation of interest and a description of the talents and skills one might bring to the program will be required with the application. No previous experience is required, and applicants may offer involvement with one or both programs.
Administrative Apprentices will work closely with the Ball's co-chairs and the executive committee, focusing on the practical aspects of producing the event. Areas of involvement may include publicity, promotion, and community relations as well as the “hand-on” duties related to the event itself.
In addition to assisting with the planning and execution of the ball program, the Dance Apprentices will have an opportunity for private instruction in Scottish country and contra dance during the day of the Scottish games.
Apprentices from both programs will be expected to help with the ball the day of the event and with at least one project during the course of the year. (This requirement will be waived for out-of-state apprentices.)
This is a terrific opportunity to work with others students from the region and around the country. All participants will receive free passes to the ball, and their efforts will be noted on the ball website and in foundation literature.
Although the Apprentice Programs are open primarily to High School students in the Robeson County area, students from outside the area will be considered. Anyone interested in participating via co-sponsored events with other venues such as highland games and dance festivals should submit an application. Barnes and Black encourage any student who might be interested in applying for a position to contact them at the email address noted below.
“Our hope,” explained Black, “is to find exceptional students in the Red Springs area and around the country who might be interested in being involved in this project and in learning more about the heritage of the region.”
Barnes and Black would also like to identify at least two other adults in the Red Springs area who might be interested in helping with the program. “While on a practical level this will help us get the job done regarding the mechanics of producing the event in Red Springs, it will also offer a nice opportunity for young people to have hands-on experience in what it takes to produce such an event,” said Barnes in a phone interview from her home in Georgia. She also emphasized that while there will be a few meetings and projects between now and the ball in October, the time commitment will primarily be during the weekend of the ball. Adults interested in being involved and students interested in applying for a position or learning more about the project should contact Barnes and Black or Apprentices Laura Duncan and Charlotte Bennett at macdonaldball@aol.com or visit the Apprentice Page on the ball website at: www.floramacdonaldball.com.
Organizers of the program, Joan McManus Barnes and Michelle Odum Black, are formerly from Red Springs. While Barnes will be in town for the ball in October, Black will be participating along with a few of the interns around the country via cyber space.
From the Red Springs Citizen Newspaper August 23, 2006
VARDELL FAMILY TO BE HONORED AT FLORA MACDONALD BALL
The Board of Directors of the Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation announced yesterday that they will honor the Vardell Family at the first annual Flora Macdonald Ball, to be held on October 7th in Red Springs. The inaugural Vardell Award will be presented to the Vardell Family in recognition of the contributions of Dr. Charles Graves Vardell and those of his wife Linda Lee Rumple Vardell. Dr. Vardell founded Flora Macdonald College in 1896 and served as President of the institution for the next thirty-four years. His wife, a graduate of the New England Conservatory of music, founded the college’s renowned music conservatory. Nine of the Vardell's children and grandchildren attended Flora Macdonald College, and their oldest child, Dr. Charles Gildersleeve Vardell, taught at the school for several years. Vardell Hall, a girl’s preparatory school and junior college, was named in honor of the college’s founder and existed on the campus from 1964 to 1973. Descendants of Dr. and Mrs. Vardell - spanning three generations and traveling from as far away as Vancouver, Canada - will be on hand for the celebration.
 
Dr. Charles Graves Vardell Linda Lee Rumple (Vardell)
Other honored guests will include Tommy and Jean Ammons of the Flora Macdonald Highland Games and Frances S. McNeil, who graduated from Flora Macdonald College in 1932, and who has maintained the college's archives for many years. These individuals will be presented with the Flora Macdonald Legacy Award for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the community.
Dr. Charles Graves Vardell and Linda Lee Vardell
Held in conjunction with the Flora Macdonald Highland Games, the Flora Macdonald Ball will begin at 7:00 PM on Saturday, October 7th in the main building on the Flora Macdonald Campus in Red Springs (NC) located at 200 College Street. The public is invited to this event, which will include Scottish country, contra and traditional ballroom dances to the music of renowned musicians Mara Shea and Dave Wiesler. Several dances during the course of the evening will be taught; therefore, no previous experience is necessary to participate, and for those who do not dance there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy fine music. For an additional fee, an informal dinner will be available before the ball hosted by Alumnae of Flora Macdonald College. See website for details.
The Ball is designed as a celebration for those who appreciate the rich culture of the region and as a homecoming for natives of Red Springs and the Cape Fear Region. The ball committee hopes that many will make this an annual event, returning to Red Springs every October. The committee is excited that the annual ball could draw attention to the historical significance of the campus, gardens and region. Alumnae/Alumni from all three institutions of learning that have been housed on the campus will be gathering as part of the celebrations. Anyone who attended Flora Macdonald College, Vardell Hall or Flora Macdonald Academy is encouraged to attend.
Tickets to the ball are $ 15.00 per person. Checks for ticket purchases or for contributions to foundation should be made payable to the Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation. Please mail checks to the treasurer of the ball at: Karen Poppele, 255 East Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines, NC 28387. When ordering tickets, please include your name, number of persons attending, what portion of your payment is for a ticket and/or contribution and your contact information including phone number and e-mail address (if available). Tickets can also be purchase on-line with a credit card at the ball website. The Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law.
More information on the Flora Macdonald Ball can be found at www.floramacdonaldball.com or by calling the ball hotline at (910) 307-0090. More information on the Flora Macdonald Highland Games can be found at www.capefearscots.com or by calling (910) 843-5000.
|
