Ludlow's Big Buddy Program and Summit Soapworks

My store shares a building with Ludlow's Big Buddy Program, a local program similar to the Big Brother, Big Sister program. Before the holidays about 12 teenager came by the shop & we did a class on salt scrubs so that they could make presents for the holidays.

Admittedly, I was scared to death of these children before they came to the shop. I am usually a relatively calm, confident woman, I have spoken publicly many times (even in front of angry taxpayers) but suddenly was transformed into this person who was thinking "well what if they don't want to do this", "what if they don't think this is fun or cool", yikes!

I was pleasantly surprised by this great group of kids. We had a fun (and messy) class and I think in the end they thought I was "cool" and they each went home with their own unique salt scrub. The following will be posted in our local paper this week:


The Ludlow Teen Center would like to thank Christine Balch at Summit Soapworks for her generosity and welcoming our Big Buddy group into her store. Christine took the time to show us some hands-on activities, making salt scrubs, that the group took home and gave to their families over the holiday's. Christine supplied materials, advisement, creativity, and her expertise inside the store located on 106 main st in Ludlow. The Big Buddy Program is through the Ludlow Teen Center, and organized by Gretchen and Jerry Tucker. The program matches elementary age youth with teenage mentors. The group actively engages in fund-raising to help support the adventures and activities in which the Big Buddy program participates with. Such activities have included:collecting and donating goods to the Springfield Humane Society- and a tour and visiting time with the animals. As well as a visit to the Eastwood animal Vet clinic in Rutland, Outdoor activities all season long (including, but not limited to,: hikes, sledding, snowboarding, swimming), visit to VINS, and local animal farms, baking for our future bake sale. At the end of our day we always retire with pizza from an area pizza shop, our Big Buddy tradition. The weekly outings keep everyone busy and engaged, and allows the big buddy group to participate in healthy activities. We are continuing to fund-raise to keep theprogram running, and we are always interested in volunteers to host an activities, as well as donations, made to the non-profit organization.

Next weekend, during Ludlow's Winter Carnival, Summit Soapworks will be hosting a fundraiser for the Big Buddy Program. 10% of store sales on January 30, 31st and Feb. 1st will be donated to the program. There will be Winter Carnival specials. Please stop by and support this great program.