Inheritance

I am always amazed that the DRC community, no matter how many kids are there on any given day, represents a microcosm of society.

The thing I notice most frequently is the hyper-vigilance by some of making sure no one gets more than they 'deserve,' and that some kids are constantly called out for what might be considered an infraction within these antiquated universal rules of ethics. This is the "tit for tat," "eye for an eye" mentality that wears on my nerves more than anything.

I was silently mulling this observation over this week when my husband, Mike, received some information about his ancestor who was convicted and hung as one of the infamous Salem Witches from a friend who had recently visited the historic site.

This is when I fully realized that our societal and cultural norms surrounding morality have not changed since 1692. The Puritanical thread of beliefs has a stranglehold on us - even now - 332 years later.

Maybe this is why we, as a modern society, have difficulty separating church from state. In many folks' minds (and hearts), the Puritanical ideals are the law of the land. Even though very few would claim it as their religion, the principles are hardwired into our cultural brains.

Yet, somehow, this code of ethics only applies to the poor, not the wealthiest of the wealthy or the most powerful of the powerful - those folks will always get a "pass" whether they "earned" their riches and status or not.

No matter how you spin it, unfairness and inequity are built in - they are not design flaws - they are (and have always been) the intention.

Fairness and equity (as defined not by everyone getting the same - but getting what they need to survive and maybe even thrive without enduring trauma) should not require daily battles fought mostly by the afflicted - but here we are.

Why aren't we more concerned that everyone is cared for and has their basic needs met - not that someone might have gotten more than us? When we focus on the policing (bureaucratizing) of services and benefits - we lose sight of the individual. Maybe more tragically, we lose our capacity for humanness.

It may be an uphill battle - but won't you join me out here modeling kindness and understanding, the opposite of the Puritan ethic? I want everyone to be seen - not judged - in their struggles and triumphs. (With the caveat - if you don't necessarily personally agree with particular choices and are of a mind to disparage - in the words spoken recently on a national stage, "mind your own damn business!")

I will use my talents, skills, knowledge, experience, and whatever resources I have at my disposal to help whomever - whenever they are needed. Because - I want kids to see that by supporting and honoring the lives of others (including their decisions), we gain something more important than riches and authority - we reclaim our humanity and even possibly pass on a different, more enlightened inheritance for our descendants.

DRC News

Happy Surprises

Over the past ten days, we have learned that we have received two grants - both were completely unexpected.

One was the national $4000.00- Dollar General Literacy Grant we applied for but thought we had little chance of getting funded. We received the notice of the award but have not gotten the check yet.

The other was a delightful $5000.00 surprise from the Community Grant Program Fund of the Community Foundation of the Hudson Valley that we did not apply for. It was sent as a thank you for talking to a team member of a potential new learning center just north of NYC to offer advice based on our experiences - it is an expression of gratitude for the work we do - intended to help us keep DRC's doors open for all of the kids who need us.

These gifts allow DRC to open this Fall with a bit of a safety net that we did not have last year - and for that, we are deeply grateful.

---

Our academic year starts at the Canton Center on Mon., Sept. 9th. The DRC-Pops will begin on Thursday, Sept. 12th - at the Massena Library and then on Fri., Sept. 13th, at the Nicandri Nature Center.

---

The Craft Fair Family Fun Event is scheduled for Oct. 5th. Vendors can register here.