Cookie Cafe

Colleges and Universities A-Z Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point
1

<p>At the beginning of this school year, I had some time to kill, so I went over to Land Hall and started baking cookies. There was no advertising, just word of mouth. Now on a Thursday afternoon, from 1-5pm there will be an average of 150 midshipmen who will wonder in to Land Hall to eat cookies, hot out of the oven, drink a cold glass of milk, coffee, tea or hot cocoa. They will sit down with their friends at little tables that I cover with tablecloths, listen to music, and chat. Some grab cookies, and run, others are there for hours visiting. Plebes call it "an oasis". Often they stand and chat with me while I bake, and they all get MOM hugs.</p>

<p>Land Hall is a place where different classes can associate, so the plebes have a chance to talk to upper classmen. Some bring their computers and study, or get help from others on their courses.</p>

<p>Students are learning to bake. Many times the midshipmen who offer to help me bake, have never baked before, and we start from scratch. Some of them are experts now, and very proud of it. They said that their Moms are going to be surprised that they can bake, and I tell them to say it's a course given at KP.</p>

<p>It is much bigger than I expected, ( I thought would be about 5-10 students a week). I now have to bake a whole day before I arrive, to make enough cookies for the crowds that show up. The favorite though are the ones just out of the oven.</p>

<p>It seems to be something that is filling a need at a school that doesn't have that many places to gather and socialize. They love it, and I'm enjoying it. I take pictures of each new student and am busy learning their names. I have a notebook of 312 midshipmen who love cookies.</p>

<p>If any of you Moms (and Dads) are at the academy on a Thursday, and have nothing to do, drop by and put on an apron. I can always use your help.</p>

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<p>KPMOM, I just wanted to say thanks!! As you said it is a way to get away from everything and the cookies are the catalyst to make it all happen!!</p>

3

<p>KPMOM - YOU are a saint. I wish we lived closer - I'd be there on a dime. For those of us who are too far away to lend a hand, is there any other way we can help? Possibly sponsor a cookie afternoon? Donate M&Ms, chips, hot cocoa, supplies? Anything? It's such a wonderful endeavor and I'm sure there are many who would like to support you, but live too far away. Please let us know! And again, thank you, for your time, thoughtfulness and TLC. 150 mids!! WOW!!! I'm jealous.</p>

4

<p>My reason for posting about Cookie Cafe was to alert some Moms and Dads of a place their midshipmen can go to relax. There are only three places on campus that they can relax with other classes: Chapel, Land Hall, and the waterfront.</p>

<p>I didn't write this for thanks, just to tell you about something you might not know about.</p>

<p>The chapel is beginning to pick up the tabs on the cost of the ingredients, so that area is handled. This actually is an extension of the chapel program. It's a way that the chapel is reaching out to the community at KP. There is a lot going on at the chapel, besides the good service Sunday mornings, that provides an outlet for the students also. </p>

<p>Yes, you would enjoy it if you lived closer. It's a lot of fun. As I said before, if you are ever at KP on a Thursday, come put on an apron, and join in on the fun. It's a great way to get to know the students.</p>

5

<p>I just thought of a way that I could use help if anyone is interested. When you come to KP or your midshipman comes back from vacation, they could bring back a box of homebaked cookies and put them in the freezer at Land Hall, well marked for Cookie Cafe. They have to be homebaked, and pick your own favorite cookies.</p>

<p>I love Cookie Cafe on Thursdays, but I spend a lot of time at home baking beforehand.</p>

6

<p>FYI...</p>

<p>If it is this Thursday (i.e. today) there will be a blood drive in Land Hall today</p>

7

<p>I've helped KPMOM several times in the cafe and I love it. When I plan a trip to KP I always try to arrange it so I'm there on Thursdays! KPMOM you are an amazing woman and you should be commended for your dedication and the help you give our kids!</p>

8

<p>Yes, there is a blood drive today, so Cookie Cafe is cancelled. I just worked out the schedule with Mary Cunningham, the social director, and there should not be any more conflicts. So, as far as I know there will be Cookie Cafe every single Thursday for the rest of the year. The only exception is if it is snowing hard. I have to drive 42 miles, in NYC traffic, and I cancel for that.</p>

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<p>I can't even begin to count the times that I was IM'ing with our son & then it's... "gotta go, cookie time!" HE LOVES COOKIE TIME! Thank you so much for having a servants heart & touching our "plebes", our "midshipmen", our kids. </p>

<p>If you ever hear that a kid is from Reno... please give him a "big" hug... he'll never step forward & tell you that he needs one, but he does. I'm sure he is happy just eating your cookies! That's awesome!</p>

<p>Thanks again for all that you do & I will say a special prayer for you & cookies!</p>

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<p>Hey KPMOM can we send you cookies FedEx? (Lots and Lots of bubble wrap!) Let us know!</p>

<p>Thank you a million for all you do</p>

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<p>RenoMom,,,I've seen KPMom in action and I can pretty much assure you that your son's been MOM hugged! There are not very many that she misses :D</p>

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<p>When my husband and I were up for parents weekend we made sure to find the Cookie Cafe. Helping in the Cookie Cafe is one of my fondest memories. The wisdom of KPMom and her husband are God sent! The adminstration could never pay enough for what this couple gives to our son's and daughters! </p>

<p>Trust me baking cookies is only a small part of what this couple gives our son's and daughter. They are part of the hidden treasure at KP!</p>

<p>I know you are not looking for thanks but one BIG THANK YOU!</p>