Among the first to Congratulate the 21st Century Fund of HVRHS, Falls Village CT, USA

After looking forward to attending the 25th anniversary of the 21st Century Fund which has been generously supporting many exciting endeavors ' for students and projects at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School (HVRHS) in Falls Village CT, I almost forgot to attend. My day went from helping someone for 4 hours to 8. I had done some shopping and enjoying a meal and walk, then a rest. Only to recall that the event at the Interlaken Inn was from 5pm to 7pm and it was 6:30pm! I wasn't sure it'd still be going by the time I got there about 15 minutes later, but figured I'd get a sense of 'what happened.' 

Lucky me, I got to hear much of the talk being given by CT Representative Jahana Hayes ( and2016 National Teacher of the Year, and former young single mom who had faced many challenges along her journey to becoming a leader in her field and now the state and country.) I hope someone thought to record the three talks that were shared (and could put on CATV6 for more to hear or will do so in future events. Thanks for making a donation to help people who are using their talents to better the world. I know quite a few who are pursuing great things even decades later to help the planet, so kudos to them and their teachers and support folks along the way! 

 Do yourself a favor and catch the write up by The Lakeville Journal and another about the talk Peter Vermiliyea gave at the Sharon  CT Episcopal Church about the role relgion (and indeed gently covered a minute of the role slavery also had) in the Civil War as well as the history of our country (and I added, churches and colleges which invested in slavery.)

I got information from UHURU on an event October 15th, 2019 in Boston MA in which they will share more about the reparations that may be in order to help address longstanding imbalances and wrongdoings. Ms. Hayes said the issues the next two decades will bring have not been clearly determined and could change, so we all need to help youth and one another develop open minds and critical thinking skills (and I will add that may mean not dismissing all 'conspiracy theories or things that are not shared by mainstream media and even many well-intentioned leaders, scientists and religious leaders.) We need a very open, transparent team of learners and bloggers  and activists doing the work 24-7, 365 and looking at trends over decades and centuries to help us key into the many possibilities of where we are now and important defining issues. 

Back to the lovely 25th anniversary reception of the 21st Century Fund which featured the WhoCTeks robotics team and some of their clever vehicles and devices. The VoAg folks were there as well with some hydroponic cubes and a student who learned more about oceanography and the challenges our oceans are facing through the S.E.A. summer program. Learn more on their websites!.

Thanks and gotta run for now, but overall am feeling inspired by this time of Oak-tober energy, acknowledging as well Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year marking harvest and the new cycle...and Yom Kippur on October 8th, 2019, a day of atonement. Hearing of the 30 years war in Europe which tallied losses in the millions between the Catholics and Protestants was a sobering reminder to not let religion get in the way of one's love for G-d, self and others in balanced healthy ways, These struggles as discussed in the New Yorker Magazine recent issues that America and the world need to consider about genocides of the past and present (Rwanda, WW2 Holocaust and more) merit our regular consideration.

Not sowing seeds of hate was the message of the author of Left to Tell who I met once back at an event held at Hotchkiss in the summer for female students. The message needs to be personalized among women, men, children, and otherwise identified or not-gender identified...and among people of all faiths or non-believers...to agree on treating one another and oneself with respect, fairness and even kindness. Let's get radical in this next 25 years and factor in all life on the plan-it as being part of the healing, feeling and dealing with life's opportunities for growth, understanding and improvements.

All the best for a WOW! week (as I head to the Wow Forum in Torrington CT with a good feeling of networking with those there and feeling more connected with their areas as well.) One event or group can offer many more pathways to connecting than meets the eye... from eyes to ideas (and vice versa.) On my wish list as well is to get to the Shakespeare and Co. play (heard it's quite good) in Lenox and to the Sharon Playhouse HS Pinafore production and maybe a bit of the Hotchkiss Opera on the 4th of October. Lots to celebrate that day in my own circles as well, so will take time to appreciate that as well. Best to all and here's to a Thirsty Thursday for Kindness and Connection (and healthy drinks like the chicory tea a friend or other nutritional food and drinks to fuel our bodies, minds and help our bodies heal one meal at a time...)