Winter around Evins Mill is traditionally a quieter season with the crackling of the fire places drowning out or at least competing with even the liveliest of conversations. It is a time when the staff, including myself, can get a few things done that might have been paused during the boisterous celebrations of marriage and the changing fall foliage. I am usually keeping myself busy working with the menu, writing a few recipes, cleaning, planning the coming year, and counting wares that did not get broken. This winter has progressed much as I expected it too, but with a new twist.Evins Mill is part of a revolution...no, we are not bootlegging or storing up small arms; we are supporting "Art Revolution". Dekalb County and Smithville are fortunate to have a passionate group of citizens that have started and are operating a non-profit art program for teenagers. Many local artists are teaming up with this organization to teach skills like clay, drawing, guitar, drama, writing, photography, graphic design, painting and even culinary. This is where Evins Mill comes in.
~I was asked to teach a Culinary class to students ranging in age from 13 to 18. The class would run for nine weeks, meeting once per week for two hours. I had never taught in a classroom setting before so I was not sure what to expect. I laid out a plan for the nine weeks and set off for my first class. I have not been that nervous professionally since I began my training at Culinary school. It certainly gave me a new respect for all who are teachers of our youth. Trying to hide my fear, I somehow managed to make it through those first two hours of lecture, getting to know the students, tastings and goal setting.
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It did get easier. I learned quickly, lucky for me, that the way to a teenagers heart and mind is food; they are always hungry! I think once they realized I was going to feed them, and ultimately teach them to feed themselves, they were ready to listen and learn. I am very impressed with how much they could accomplish over the course of only two hours. I came to class with what I thought was a possible, yet challenging list of dishes to make. Every week we were finishing lists and completing menus with plenty of time to sit as a family to eat, taste and talk about our culinary creations.
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It always warms me to see guests enjoying their food but to watch these kids create something with their own hands that they have never tried before and to taste and enjoy is life changing, for them and me. In our "drive- thru" dining world, I watched six students prepare and taste 40-50 dishes they had never tried before and clean their plate every time. That makes me want to do the Snoopy dance!
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It did get easier. I learned quickly, lucky for me, that the way to a teenagers heart and mind is food; they are always hungry! I think once they realized I was going to feed them, and ultimately teach them to feed themselves, they were ready to listen and learn. I am very impressed with how much they could accomplish over the course of only two hours. I came to class with what I thought was a possible, yet challenging list of dishes to make. Every week we were finishing lists and completing menus with plenty of time to sit as a family to eat, taste and talk about our culinary creations.
~
It always warms me to see guests enjoying their food but to watch these kids create something with their own hands that they have never tried before and to taste and enjoy is life changing, for them and me. In our "drive- thru" dining world, I watched six students prepare and taste 40-50 dishes they had never tried before and clean their plate every time. That makes me want to do the Snoopy dance!
Needless to say, it was a great experience and I certainly plan to teach again next winter. Evins Mill played a huge roll in allowing us to borrow small equipment as well as donating certain ingredients that are not as easy to come by. We also procured food donations from some of our local vendors that supply Evins Mill. Gourmet Pasture Beef, Mother Earth Meats, and Folsom Farms were all quick to answer when told about the class and were asked to help.
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Art Revolution is available to all youth in Dekalb County ages 13-18, and tuition assistance is available making it truly possible for any child with a passion, desire, or even just curiosity to take a class. Having grown up in Smithville, I am very proud to be a part of an organization that has worked so hard to provide something that was lacking in our community and finally see it come to fruition. If you would like more information on Art Revolution or to see a few great photos of the Culinary class and more, visit their website or Facebook. We look forward to seeing you back at the Mill soon.
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Art Revolution is available to all youth in Dekalb County ages 13-18, and tuition assistance is available making it truly possible for any child with a passion, desire, or even just curiosity to take a class. Having grown up in Smithville, I am very proud to be a part of an organization that has worked so hard to provide something that was lacking in our community and finally see it come to fruition. If you would like more information on Art Revolution or to see a few great photos of the Culinary class and more, visit their website or Facebook. We look forward to seeing you back at the Mill soon.
