Our Saturdays here are much like they are at home, with washing floors and watering plants being a significant part of the plan. Here, however, we unload kilns, look at work, and watch people waiting for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Here’s a look at my world this day:
What’s happening in your neck of the woods? As always, please feel free to leave me a comment, or a stone (o), to let me know you’ve stopped by.
We’ve been in the Village of Peninsula, Ohio, population 602, for 22 years. We have made changes along the way, as we and the gallery have evolved. But last week, when the bridge on Main Street was closed so the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s tracks could be replaced, we decided it was time to do some things we’d wanted to do for a long time.
So take a look, at things in our neck of the woods this Monday. When you’re done, wander on over to My Town Monday, to see what other folks have to say about the places they call home. And, as always, feel free to leave me a comment to let me know what you think, or a stone, (o), to let me know you’ve stopped by. And Happy Spring. It’s been a long time coming.
What do over 120 volunteers, a train full of excited children, and a guy in a red suit have in common? If you had been in my town last week, you would have seen the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s special run of the Polar Express.
Vehicles full of people began to arrive in the Village. They proceeded to the depot, emerging in festive attire. The cars kept coming. Soon the tracks were lined with elves, gingerbread folks, snowmen and other fantastic characters. Santa rested on a bench, waiting for his moment.
Doug drove his special train into place. All was ready. Soon train whistles were heard in the distance, coming closer by the minute. As the train pulled into the North Pole, the elves went into action, waving as they welcomed the train.
This was a special train, filled with children with special needs, their families and caregivers. The excitement was palpable. The wee train with Santa aboard rounded the corner, and Santa waved to the children on the train. The train pulled out, and another train pulled into the Village; this one also had special passengers. Once again,the elves and Santa shared their magic, and the train departed, taking it’s special cargo back. Then, as quickly as they arrived, the 120 volunteers departed. It was quiet. But for those moments, their was no question that we were in the North Pole, sharing magic with kids and families who understand what it is to BELIEVE.
As always, feel free to leave me a comment, or a stone (o), to let me know you’ve stopped by. Wander on over to My Town Monday to see who has to say what about the place called home.
Hunger does not discriminate; it affects people without regard to background or social status. In our land of plenty, people are hungry every day; they have to decide between paying rent or eating, between medication or food, between staying warm and buying groceries. Of this I am certain: having enough to eat is a right rather than a privilege.
The Foodbank uses its resources well: each dollar that is donated purchases $7 worth of food and grocery products to those in need. Meals that provide sustenance to people who are already stressed. No questions asked. When I recently toured the facility, I was amazed by the quantity of food that was ready to distribute to agencies large and small. The facility was immaculate; the people, both volunteers and paid staff, passionate about their purpose.
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is located in Akron, Ohio. It serves 8 Ohio counties: Carroll, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas and Wayne. It distributes food to more than 400 member agencies that provide food pantries, hot meal sites, shelters and other emergency hunger-relief programs.
The statistics are mind boggling:
the Foodbank serves over 163,000 people annually.
*1 out of every 3 are children under age 18
*1 out of every 10 is a senior citizen
*One in eight Ohioans lives in poverty
*Ohio ranks third in childhood food insecurity for children under 5 — hungry or at risk for hunger
*One in eight Ohioans use the Food Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps)
*Every $1 donated to the Foodbank provides $7 worth of food and grocery products for people in need.
*There has been a 23% increase for food requests for food at food pantries over the requests in 2008.
*In 2008, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank distributed 16 million pounds of food.
*In 2009, the Foodbank is on pace to distribute 17.5 million pounds of food.
We are reaching out to others by giving hope. There is, I think, joy and intrinsic satisfaction in helping people who will never know who we are. As members of a world community, we have a moral and ethical responsibility to share our resources and to preserve dignity.
Local, national and regional artists — over 70, have raised a cup of kindness by donating over 125 pieces of artwork; the proceeds from the sale of the work will benefit the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.
If you are in our neck of the woods on Saturday, December 5, from 10-2, join us for light refreshments at our opening reception. The show will run until January 10, 2010.
Take a look at our website to see some of the beautiful pieces of art that have been donated. Items will be available for purchase online on the evening of Sunday, December 6.
We the People have proved the Power. Of. One. — over and over again. We have shown that we can, with our hands and hearts, help our friends and neighbors in a time of need. As Margaret Mead said, “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
What does 1 train + a great story + a crew of dedicated staff and volunteers equal? Take a look at a very special train, when the Village of Peninsula is transformed into the North Pole. All aboard for the Polar Express!
Last year 76 artists and authors, and assorted web designers, sign makers, muffin bakers, photographers and patrons raised a Cup of Kindness as they donated over 150 pieces of work and countless other services to benefit friends and neighbors in need. Through the generosity of these fine folks and people all over the country, we have raised enough money for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to provide around 28,000 meals. That is an astounding figure: twenty-eight thousand meals. That is enough to feed each of the 601 people in the Village of Peninsula 46.6 times.
Artwork is coming in and is being cataloged and packed to go to be photographed for this year’s show, which will open on Saturday, December 5th, from 10:00am-2:00pm, at our Elements Gallery and at the Peninsula Art Academy across the street, and will continue through January 10, 2010. Check back for more details about online purchases and other ways to help.
We the people have demonstrated the Power of One. And one more. And one more. This is how we make a difference in the world. One. Cup. At. A. Time.
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