Even though we had a three-day week in Canton (we use local staff development days as staff rest days), it was a full & busy one with lots of outside and creative explorations!

Our Little Free Library is still getting a makeover. Our artists are still working on the back and need to come up with and implement the design for the front. It will hopefully be back up by Tuesday.

The Pop-Ups Crew enjoyed their time at the Norwood and Massena Libraries this week. Janine reported that there was plenty of collaboration on projects, they played their favorite - mum ball, as well as a game one kid created, some took a walk both days, and Janine helped another study his brown belt information. 

The Canton Crew had another busy week, and we actually got some photographic evidence! Among many activities and projects, our writer's workshop peeps met with Abhainn, our SLU volunteer, for the last time on Monday to firm up the story part of their Digby Picture book. Then, they met on their own to develop the storyboard (combining the components of the written story with the planned drawing for each page). Stay tuned as the creative team produces the art and begins to compile the book.

Some of our die-hard winter lovers went sledding (probably for the last time) on the little bit of ice and snow left in our front yard.

Our Little Free Library is getting a much-needed makeover. Our artists will narrow down the themes they brainstormed and get it painted this coming week. We hope to have it back up by Thursday.

We also welcomed a new teen to our crew on Tuesday, and on Thursday, reporter Tom Graser came out to hang with us for a bit and interview us for a story for the Plain Dealer and WDT. Keep an eye out for those.

Janine reports that the Pop-up Peeps had a great time at the Norwood and Massena Libraries this past week. Two of them went out on Wednesday and purchased baked treats from the Norwood News Cafe for everyone, and they had some deep and thoughtful discussions covering a variety of topics each day.

Next week they will be at both libraries again - Norwood on Wednesday (3/16) and Massena Thursday (3/17). 

We cannot begin to express how grateful we are for our Pop-up Hosts. They are the only reason we can continue this program! Thank you!

Thank you to the Stewart's shops for two recent donations. The first was a $300 check supporting DRC's Healing Through Mentoring & Creative Expression Project. And the second was a $250 check from their Annual Holiday Match to support purchasing food for our cooking classes and daily lunch program.

Slash-and-burn is a traditional agricultural method used by indigenous peoples in rain forests around the world. This technique involves girdling trees (slashing) and burning them once they have died. It was an effective tool for small-scale food production, allowing families or villages to grow their own food. It created space, enriched the soil sustainably, allowed for forest regeneration, and worked for centuries.

...Until, in very simplistic terms, big companies took over the land to overproduce cash crops for international sales, effectively raping the land (destroying rain forests by the thousands of acres a day) and forcing previous landowners into servitude - farming mono-cultures to survive, then exporting it all - making obscene profits for the corporations.  Meanwhile, the farmers must rely on imports of lesser-quality food to feed their families.

The parallels to what is happening in real-time are undeniable and truly vile - which is utterly beyond my comprehension. But then, I guess that is the point.

Nonetheless,  I will continue to provide "my" kiddos with a safe, open educational environment where they will find all the kindness, trust, and respect they deserve. I will continue supporting all the folks who reach out for assistance. Additionally, I will continue to highlight our dedication to things like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ---  because I refuse to let a slash-and-burn strategy and a sheer lack of integrity influence my values or destroy the community we have built.

The one and only thought that gets me through the days is that I know a majority of folks are right there with me.

The Canton Crew had a busy week - however, we forgot to take photos.

The Pop-Ups Peeps enjoyed their time at the Nicandri Nature Center and the Massena Library this week.

We had a great time meeting folks at the Kid Expo yesterday! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to talk and create art.

Lotto Raffle - One week left to buy your chances!

It infuriates me when folks refer to adults who are badly behaved as children or toddlers. Just No!

Instead, let's name the dreadful behavior - bullying, disrespecting, antagonizing, throwing a tantrum, belligerence, hostility, narcissism, playing the victim, sabotaging, gaslighting, greediness, manipulation, and all the endless versions of disgusting a$$holery.

None of these should be equated with the word childish.

Yes, children misbehave sometimes; however, it is usually not premeditated or vindictive. Children are growing and learning beings who get angry, frustrated, sad, disappointed, and generally dysregulated and act out. With loving guidance, they can discover how to respectfully and safely negotiate their emotions and behavior without hurting themselves or others.  

Badly behaved adults are just that, with no excuses or equivalencies.   

The DRC Canton Crew had a great week!

The Pop-Ups Peeps met at Nicandri and the Massena Public Library this past week.

They will be at Nicandri again this Wednesday and the Massena Library on Thursday.

Janine suggests kiddos bring snow gear on the days they are at Nicandri so they can access the skis, snowshoes, and outdoor fun. She also encourages participants to bring their laptops/devices, snacks, and projects or games they want to share/work on with others.

We finished the month with moving quotes from these six influential black women.

In solidarity with all women, DRC is honoring several inspiring voices to celebrate Women's History Month in March. Stay tuned to our social media accounts for daily quotes.