Endings

Every year, it sneaks up quickly - but the end of this one came booby-trapped with some unexpected and unpleasant surprises. However, I don't want their shadow to overpower all the learning, growth, connections, and fun we experienced this year.

Between the two Centers, four students finished their home school careers. All of them are long-term DRC members, one since he was 12. They each received a home school diploma that their parents will complete. It is always sad to say goodbye to another batch of kiddos that I have had the pleasure of knowing for several years. But that sadness is wrapped up in pride for all they have accomplished (two of them doubled up their requirements to finish early) - and all the unique gifts they will bring to the world as they enter adulthood.


As I have mentioned a few times, we are closing the Massena Center and transitioning to what we call DRC Pop-ups. Friday was their last day in the building - but we had the year-end celebration recognizing two of our graduates on Wednesday. This particular ending comes with mixed emotions - frustration that we couldn't keep the Center open, sadness at saying goodbye to two kiddos that I have known for a long time, uncertainty about how the transition to Pop-ups will unfold, and be received, but also gratitude for Karen and all the kids, and excitement for what that new adventure holds.

DRC-Massena has been capably facilitated by Karen Gagne, our lead staff and mentor. Pure economics, not a lack of dedication, skill, or passion, is what necessitated closing our satellite Center. Karen's kindness and wisdom guided the Massena crew to an understanding of themselves that they each carry into the world. 

Friday, because of the above-mentioned "booby-traps" (sewer line issues that will be explained later), DRC-Canton had an end-of-year picnic at Bend in the River Park to celebrate the two graduates (who we did not get photos of) and recognize our junior apprentices & staff. Although a perfect weather day, this was definitely not the ending for this year that we imagined.

An enormous thank you to Christopher Raymo - the guy the DRC-Canton Crew adores - who happily jumps in to facilitate whatever ideas the kids or I dream up or try and fix any problem with our building that crops up.

Although this particular year ended with less-than-ideal circumstances, I am deeply grateful that I still got to spend my days with awesome kids who generate a constant buzz of excitement that pulses through the Center. These kiddos understand their job description - get curious, explore, be creative, play, grow, and learn. 

Thank you all for being part of this journey as we navigate the challenges that defined the last few weeks and the ongoing task of raising the funds required to keep our promise to the NoCo. 

*Gratitude to parent and board member, Tiffanie Jacob, for capturing our photos and printing our memory books again this year.

DRC News

The plumbing situation in Canton became much more complicated than roots growing into the pipe after Cornerstone Heating, Plumbing, & Cooling spent all day Monday working to figure it out.
Turns out it wasn't the trees' fault. The DRC sewer line is broken under the street a few feet before it attaches to the main line.

Shout of thanks to the owner of Cornerstone for his compassion in only charging us for the first employee's labor and not billing us for the machine or his time. We are grateful for their kindness and professionalism.

So what does this all mean?

According to Village regulations - DRC is legally responsible for hiring a contractor to dig it up & fix the sewer line. The village superintendent was on vacation, but I spoke to the Mayor on Tuesday, after the DPW guys confirmed it is indeed broken with their camera, asking if their was any way the village could help us out. He said he was seeking ideas for us.

To be completely transparent - DRC has zero funds to put into this endeavor. I cannot in good faith hire a contractor to dig up the street and repair the pipes knowing that I won't be able to pay them. I do have a call into our insurance agent to see if by any miracle our homeowners will cover it.

I will talk to folks at the Village office this coming week, after Memorial Day, and then we wait for possible solutions to present themselves. We will gratefully receive all the positive energy you can send.

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We are terminating the lease on our Massena Center at 47 Perkins Dr. on May 31st. This means there are five days to pack up, empty, and clean the space after our last day on May 24th. Please let us know if you are available to help with this endeavor. All hands are appreciated - including the kiddos.

We will be there all day on Monday scrubbing and painting - stop in if you would like to help.

There are also 3 couches and 2 organs that need a home - let us know if you would like to come and get them.

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The DRC Pop-Ups are coming to the Massena area this Fall. Any homeschooling family is welcome to join us 2 days a week at various host venues. They are set up to be pay-as-you-go. The stamp cards can be purchased ahead of time by following the below link or the first day your child attends.

Each child is $8 each day they attend. One stamp card can be used for multiple children in a family. Purchase here: https://omella.com/d7wj