Harlem events bring community closer

Harlem High School's culinary arts students helped soothe the sweet tooth of many at Saturday's A Taste of Harlem event.

The pupils showed their prowess at making a variety of chocolate truffles. They also tried their hands at truffles and pralines using pecans from Harlem's Tracy-Luckey Co., caramel and other ingredients, including crushed Oreo cookies and cream cheese.

Their teacher, Barbara Howard, called the event a chance at exposure for the students as well as a learning experience to cook before a crowd outdoors in the parking lot at Tracy-Luckey.

Harlem sophomore Brittany Miller said cooking outdoors was much cooler than in a hot enclosed kitchen. She said the treats she made with her classmates were easy to do.

"It's a way to show you can make something elegant really simple," she said.

Debbie McGahee, of Dearing, said she enjoyed the treats.

"It's very nice for them (the students) to give of their time and do (this)," she said. "It's good stuff."

The Taste of Harlem was one of at least three events to take place in the Harlem area Saturday.

On Gordon Highway, Harlem United Methodist Church held the city's Trash to Treasures Market. Dozens of area residents had spots reserved in the church parking lot selling furniture, exercise equipment, clothes, electronics, baked goods and arts and crafts.

At one table, Mary Frances Vest, 9, daughter of Harlem Methodist's minister, the Rev. Roger Vest, helped sell goods to support her wish to donate school supplies to children in New Orleans affected by Hurricane Katrina. She said she came up the idea with her friend, 9-year-old Hannah McCoy, in August.

"Me and my best friend were talking one day (and we said), 'You know, we could raise money for the schools that don't have anything,'" Mary Frances said. So far, her parents said about $1,000 in money and school supplies have been collected.

Those interested in helping can contact Vest by phone at Harlem Methodist at (706) 556-6885.

Also on Saturday, Philadelphia United Methodist Church at Old Louisville and Louisville roads held its inaugural Crafts at the Crossroads event. Members of the church's Busy Bees Quilt Club, displayed handmade quilts and other crocheted and stitched items made by the group.

The church sold hand-stitched bags, pot-holders and Christmas ornaments, as well as the church's annual cookbook.

Proceeds from the sale benefitted the church's building and van fund and The Rescue Mission. The group is working toward donating 70 quilts to The Methodist Children's Home in Atlanta, said Busy Bees leader Roberta Harriss.