Lessons of volunteerism

Students learn many important lessons while in school —the three R’s, for starters, and these days so much more. There are courses on technology, art, science, philosophy, environmental studies — we’re pleased to say that the list is too long to delve into with just a few paragraphs to spare.What we hope, however, is that students also learn lessons beyond the scope of what can be taught on a chalkboard or from a textbook. Such life lessons are often taught by very special educators — those who understand the value of passing on that which helps us grow as individuals contributing to the greater good and a more productive and compassionate society.John Roccanova is one such teacher. For years he has been at the North East (Webutuck) Central School District working quietly behind the scenes. He’s organized classes, field trips and various projects; he also happens to head up the school district’s student volunteer program. This year that program has 90 participants in grades seven through 12 (for more on the program, turn to Page A3).As Webutuck High School Principal Ken Sauer said, one reason the program is so successful is because of Mr. Roccanova. “The fact is John’s a guy who really believes in volunteering and instilling in kids the necessity for being a community servant,” Sauer said.He’s absolutely right.Roccanova understands the importance of volunteering, and of giving of one’s time and energy to those in need. Whether that’s to an individual or an organization, it doesn’t matter, as long as the cause is worthy. He’s passing that very important lesson along to some very impressionable young students. It’s as wonderful as it is important that he’s doing so. This is the time when a child begins to set his or her moral compass — as teenagers they are learning how to treat others in a world too often filled with rage and disdain. Our youth need to see there are positive aspects to life, no matter how crazy and chaotic the world may be. They need to be a part of something they can be proud of and connect with others through a shared bond of humanity. By caring for others and giving of themselves, volunteers tap into universal positive energy — and hopefully they’ll see others pass it on as well.If lucky, the most industrious youth may discover a real passion through their volunteer work, a passion that could one day morph into a vocation. What could be better?Kudos to Webutuck for keeping its volunteer program going strong for 15 years. And hats off to Mr. Roccanova, for steering that ship all the while, recruiting whomever he could to take along for the journey.These are the types of programs that make the Webutuck community one to envy. For a school district to endorse a philosophy that being humane and compassionate is as important as acing a test is really something special. It’s not to say that traditional studies don’t have their place, because they do. We simply hope lessons as important as volunteerism will be remembered long after students have forgotten random factoids once memorized for those darn pop quizzes.

Latest News

Club baseball at Fuessenich Park

Travel league baseball came to Torrington Thursday, June 26, when the Berkshire Bears Select Team played the Connecticut Moose 18U squad. The Moose won 6-4 in a back-and-forth game. Two players on the Bears play varsity ball at Housatonic Valley Regional High School: shortstop Anthony Foley and first baseman Wes Allyn. Foley went 1-for-3 at bat with an RBI in the game at Fuessenich Park.

 

  Anthony Foley, rising senior at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, went 1-for-3 at bat for the Bears June 26.Photo by Riley Klein 

 
Siglio Press: Uncommon books at the intersection of art and literature

Uncommon books at the intersection of art and literature.

Richard Kraft

Siglio Press is a small, independent publishing house based in Egremont, Massachusetts, known for producing “uncommon books at the intersection of art and literature.” Founded and run by editor and publisher Lisa Pearson, Siglio has, since 2008, designed books that challenge conventions of both form and content.

A visit to Pearson’s airy studio suggests uncommon work, to be sure. Each of four very large tables were covered with what looked to be thousands of miniature squares of inkjet-printed, kaleidoscopically colored pieces of paper. Another table was covered with dozens of book/illustration-size, abstracted images of deer, made up of colored dots. For the enchanted and the mystified, Pearson kindly explained that these pieces were to be collaged together as artworks by the artist Richard Kraft (a frequent contributor to the Siglio Press and Pearson’s husband). The works would be accompanied by writings by two poets, Elizabeth Zuba and Monica Torre, in an as-yet-to-be-named book, inspired by a found copy of a worn French children’s book from the 1930s called “Robin de Bois” (Robin Hood).

Keep ReadingShow less
Cycling season: A roundup of our region’s rentals and where to ride them

Cyclists head south on the rail trail from Copake Falls.

Alec Linden

After a shaky start, summer has well and truly descended upon the Litchfield, Berkshire and Taconic hills, and there is no better way to get out and enjoy long-awaited good weather than on two wheels. Below, find a brief guide for those who feel the pull of the rail trail, but have yet to purchase their own ten-speed. Temporary rides are available in the tri-corner region, and their purveyors are eager to get residents of all ages, abilities and inclinations out into the open road (or bike path).

For those lucky enough to already possess their own bike, perhaps the routes described will inspire a new way to spend a Sunday afternoon. For more, visit lakevillejournal.com/tag/bike-route to check out two ride-guides from local cyclists that will appeal to enthusiasts of many levels looking for a varied trip through the region’s stunning summer scenery.

Keep ReadingShow less