A Chance To Give Back

I gave back plenty on April 15.

Now they want more?

(And at almost 20k per student, what else does the Newark BOE need? Oh, yea. Students with a desire to learn and a family structure to support it. Unfortunately, all the money in the world can't provide that.)

You Have got to be kidding. We should ask Newark for a hand in revitalizing Montclair and Bloomfield.

prof is right (I know, that's funny) -- money is not what is needed to set Newark's schools on the right path. And until the things that prof mentions -- a desire to learn and a support system for kids who want to learn --are in place, cash will continue to find its way into the pockets of venal politicians and scammers rather than to programs and initiatives that can really help kids.

"...money is not what is needed to set Newark's schools on the right path."

Can someone please let our greedy {{Democratic, cough, cough!}}}} politicians know this? Thanks.

How did this get turned into a money thing? From the blurb:
"Contribute your talent and time with more than 1,000 volunteers working throughout Newark to revitalize schools, parks, and community centers. "

Volunteers contributing "talent and time" -- sounds like a neighborly thing to do.

I wager that part of the dysfunctional cycle of the inner city is exacerbated a feeling of isolation, which can only made more real by an "us versus them" mentality being voiced in the affluent suburbs. What harm can come from people of good will making contributions of personal effort?

I've witnessed the positive effect in a neighborhood where a large group of outsiders swooped in and spent a day refurbishing/painting public spaces (a CityYear service day where employees of a company take a day to volunteer en masse). It's a great thing!

Quondamly yours,
...

Thank you for the good info and interesting link Appletony..."the giving back" dynamic seems to overshadowed by from what you get back these days. These are great learning experiences too. For example, just by participating in the community environmental initiatives in nearby East Orange, top notch environmental operators share new techniques of environmental preservation and alternative energy practices with the schoolchildren, their parents and interested adults. The children are very bright and motivated so if you are an adult and want to learn more, the children can explain what they are learning and teach you.

I agree with you to a point, Appletony. But wahat about the neglected parks, litter, schools that need sprucing up, etc. right here in Baristaville?

"But wahat about the neglected parks, litter, schools that need sprucing up, etc. right here in Baristaville?"

From the Watercooler:

Please Join The Eagle Rock Conservancy and Whole Foods Market For a
Community Clean-Up!

Saturday, May 3, 2008
10:00 am ? 2:00 pm
Eagle Rock Reservation

We welcome and appreciate all volunteers. The group will meet near the Reservation entrance on Eagle Rock Avenue by the picnic grove. We thank you in advance for helping make the Reservation a clean and beautiful place to visit. Any time you give gives back to OUR community!

Come early and stretch with FOCUS Physical Therapy.

Thanks, Bit!