Thank You, People of Heber Springs

The Heber Thing held it's ribbon cutting today, October 24, 2008. We had so much fun visiting with all the people of the chamber and our new friends and family. I have to say, Heber really has some amazing people and we are thrilled to be a part of the community. Now that people know a little bit about what The Heber Thing will do, it's time for me to outline it in our mission statement and make it easier for everyone to understand. You see, I think out LOUD and do things that are usually out of the ordinary.

A funny story, before we move on: We were talking about how we will offer baby-sitting services for 5$ a kid for those taking courses. Jackie McPherson pipes in to ask if we offer that if someone's "not taking the courses". I thought at first, well "No...but someone who's sponsoring the class for someone could certainly use it". Now that I think about it, he just identified a HUGE need for this community. One that The Heber Thing could easily service through a co-op program supported by membership and a low hourly rate per child with a commitment by the member to serve in the co-op 2x a month. So, It's a go, I'll put a listing for kid-sitters on heberspringsjobs.com on Monday!!

Then, I got to talking to Debbie, a referral from Bruce at the Rehabilitation Services Center, and she is brilliant and has done many things in not only accounting/tax, but LOVES theatre arts, which is also a passion of mine! We got to talking and she had the awesome idea of a dinner theater!! Since we're Christ-centered it matches perfectly with Purpose Media International's mission!! We will start that, and the Impromptu Acting classes before the Purpose Media Cast Meetings sooner that I had ever dreamed of getting it going. Debbie is an amazing person, she has a heart blockage, much like my daughters grandmother, and has no idea how long she will live. If I can help put in a process to make her heart sing once more, it's so worth it!

Another story: At The Home Center, I met a brilliant young man with about 3 VERY interesting inventions, that will actually WORK!! I thought about him building that prototype, featuring it on the Good Business Show on December 5th, and sending that clip to the web for everyone to marvel at this genius invention! Then I thought, WOW, kids could really learn something from this guy! I wonder if he could teach an after school program, like The Heber Science Guy or something for budding engineers! We would help him do that, offer the space and the marketing for it!!

Another thing a pastor from the Protestant Church had, I hope I got that right, please forgive me if I didn't :). They're doing Christian Martial Arts!! I LOVE it!! He's also wanting an interim place to have church as they change some things around. What an awesome way to use the space on Sunday Mornings & Evenings!! Usually its a charge for the space, but since it's the Lords House anyway, they can pay us what they feel like giving for the space.

One thing that I've noticed is that many of Heber's residents think in these terms, but have been somewhat limited in taking their "out loud idea" into action.
Many reasons come into play, and they're largely due to lack of the following: resources, marketing, self confidence, "the economy" and a solid support system. The Heber Thing offers this to anyone with an idea that needs any of the above. I, personally, will hold the classes I offer to help the community at The Heber Thing. I offer my services from this place, and you can too.

There's so many more stories of people out there with ideas to make a difference in this world. If I can help them through The Heber Thing capture their dreams and make them into a reality...that's what makes my heart sing....that and producing shows and loving kids and my grandma!

Ribbon Cutting Coming Friday 10/24 @ 11:30

The Heber Thing Event & Production Studio is almost ready to open to the public!! We'll be ready just in time!! We've had some setbacks on building the partitions and our signage, but we're ready to take reservations for events today! I just want to thank God and all the wonderful people of Heber Springs for being so open, gracious and excited to see this center open. I also want to personally thank Laura Beth Jarman for dedicating her time, enthusiasm and all she has to offer to seeing this be a success. If you don't know, LB and I were and still are the best of friends, even after being separated for ten years while I was off in the big city of Houston Texas. Non of this would have been possible with out her and the support of her Mom, Don, Tracie, Bub and their entire family. My Grandmother, Flora Ratcliff also deserves a HUGE Thank you, I'm so thrilled to be home and with her in her golden years. Seeing her every day makes my heart sing! We (the kids and I) hope you LOVE The Heber Thing, and find it an open and inviting place for business and fun! We can't wait to meet you at the ribbon cutting, The Open House, the Boo on the Square and all around town! See you soon!

Dayna Marcum