THaP

HISTORY OF THE THAP (Take Home a Program)

by AliceRae Kutish May 2017

         In 1988 Betty Ann Eliason and Carolyn Humes proposed that the Mid-Atlantic Region provide classes that could be taken back to the individual chapters to be used as meeting programs.  The programs could be stitching projects or embroidery related (such as finishing techniques).

   The result was the decision to offer two classes that would be offered during Region Rep meetings. Non-Reps were able to take classes. These students agreed to teach the class to their chapters.  Each chapter had the opportunity to send one student to each class.  The classes lasted all day.  Chapters paid for the kit cost.  MAR paid for the teacher's fee and transportation.  The first 2 classes were offered in 1989.

         Teachers were required to present not just the project, but also how to teach it.   Instructions on what classroom supplies would be needed, an extra clean set of directions for copying purposes, and class tips were to be included. 

   Classes were chosen a year in advance by a vote of the Chapter Reps.  Proposed classes were brought to a MAR meeting and voted upon.  The classes had to be original to the teachers and be low cost ($10,.00 or under).

         In the early 2000s, arrangements were made with agreeable past teachers to have their classes made available to chapters that had not sent teachers to their classes.  Instructions were available from the MAR Program Chair for the cost of printing and postage. 

         This systems worked until 2007.  Changes in the number of yearly MAR meetings and a decline in chapter interest reduced the program.  There were no formal THaP offerings from 2008 until 2015.  However, in 2008 and 2010 classes that were taught on the Friday evening before the MAR meeting that were open to anyone who was there early.  These instructions were later made available to chapters to teach as THaPs.

         In 2015 the THaP program was renewed with some changes.   Only one class would be taught and it had to be taught in a 2-to-3-hour period.  It would be held on the Saturday morning of a Region Meeting with the Region Meeting in the afternoon.  Anyone interested was able to attend.

A list of all past programs is provided for your perusal.

Instructions for most are available for chapter use as programs.  If you would like a copy of the instructions contact Jen Lorang, Education Chair at MAReducationchair@gmail.com