Scout registration: all together now
When my son came off the school bus six years ago all amped up to join Cub Scouts, I was hesitant. But I've learned it's possible to love the Boy Scout program even if you don't agree with every policy.
Since he joined, my son --- once quiet and passive --- has developed confidence and social skills. So what if our basement is cluttered with woodworking projects and camping gear bursts from every closet? At least he's not ordering bomb-making supplies off the Internet.
My son's currently a Second Class Boy Scout with first-class adult leaders. Together, the leaders represent an ideal parent figure. Some excel at coordinating outdoor adventures and trips to places like Gettysburg, some teach merit badges such as disability awareness and public health, while others focus on community service.
So when my younger child asked to join Brownies, I happily suppressed memories of gluing macaroni onto paper plates and immediately signed her up. Her experience has been equally worthwhile and completely macaroni-free.
Local scouting organizations are accepting registrations from boys 6 to 17 and girls 5 to 17. It's a great time for 11-year-olds or fifth-graders to join (that's the point at which Cub Scouts and Juniors can become full-fledged Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts). For Boy Scout info, go to www.otetiana.orgor call the Otetiana Council of the Boy Scouts of America at 244-4210. For information on Girl Scouting, go to www.gsgv.org or call the Girl Scouts of the Genesee Valley at 292-5160.
--- Linda Kostin (www.junkstorecowgirl.com)
This week for families:
Brighton Memorial Library storytimes: Mondays 10 a.m. (ages 3-4), 10:30 a.m. (ages 1-2.5); Thursdays 7 p.m. 2300 Elmwood Avenue. 784-5300, www.brightonlibrary.org
Head Start/Early Head Start now accepting applications, Action for a Better Community. 325-5116 ext 3300
Henrietta Public Library storytimes: Tuesdays 11-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays 10:15-10:45 a.m., 455 Calkins Rd. 359-7092, www.hpl.org
Hot Shot Final Competition Thurs, Apr 7. ages 9-18, Carter St Community Center, 500 Carter St, 6-9 p.m. Free. 428-7294, 428-7828
Kindflict Workshop Sat, Apr 9. For families, New Life Presbyterian Church, 243 Rosedale St, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 624-2382
The Mammoth Follies Wed, Apr 13. Hudson Vagabond Puppets, Smith Opera House, 82 Seneca St, Geneva, 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. $4.50. 315-781-5483
Model Matzah Bakery Wed-Thurs and Sun-Mon, Apr 6-7 and 10-11. first-hand Matzah baking experience, Jewish Community Center, 1200 Edgewood Ave, Wed-Thurs 4-6 p.m., Sun 1-5 p.m., Mon 4-6 p.m. 271-0330
Owl Prowl Sat, Apr 9. Braddock Bay Lodge, Braddock Bay Park, E Manitou Rd, Greece, 8 a.m. Free. 321-1616
Penfield Public Library through Apr 30. poetry contest, grades 6-12. 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield. 340-8720
Tiny Ninja Theatre Presents Macbeth Fri-Sat, Apr 12-May 7. Big Theatre for Little People, Geva Theatre Center, 75 Woodbury Ave, Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat 2 and 9:30 p.m. $12, $9 kids. 232-4382, www.gevatheatre.org
Writers & Books Sat, Apr 9. Saturday of Unfortunate Events, ages 8-13, Writers & Books, 740 University Ave, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $40. 473-2590, www.wab.org
Small mindfulness
And here we are, with our thumbs and our big brains, inventive, creative, aggressive, aware in some ways, oblivious in others, still struggling to learn the lessons our ancestors bequeathed us: That everything changes. That everything is interdependent. That we survive by cooperating, sharing resources, pooling information. That change can come suddenly, cataclysmically, and when it does, the small are better fit to survive... --- Starhawk, The Earth Path
The case of Terri Schiavo is a tragic lesson in relational complexity and a cultural climate ill equipped to deal with same. One afternoon this week I will take a walk with my kids, tossing aside half-developed opinions, ax-grinding outlooks, and unshakable beliefs to climb into a pit of hurting souls.
I'll tell my children the story of a mom and dad so devoted to their child that they grasped for scant flickers of response and swore to love and protect her no matter how profound her disabilities. How sacred was her life to them! And then I will speak of a husband who for 15 years refused to abandon the shell that was his wife, and how he continued to fight for what he believed she wanted, no matter how others bribed, threatened, and vilified him. How sacred was her life to him!
Eventually, my kids will ask me what should have been done. I won't answer. They need to see adults comfortable in uncertainty. I hope they will learn that two rights don't make a wrong.
--- Rev. Corey Keyes