Helping Others

Last night the news reported about a program in Schenectady where several agencies are working together to provide food for children for their weekend meals. They mentioned that children receive free lunch in school during the week, but go hungry on the weekends because of a lack of food in the home. They also highlighted the harm that poor nutrition can do to a child's body. 

My first thought was how sad it is that the parents of these children cannot provide lunches for their children on the weekends. How frustrating that must be for them, knowing that their children are hungry, and they can't do anything about it at that moment. Then my thoughts turned to personal responsibility and the entitlement mentality. 

I admire what these agencies are trying to accomplish and understand that someone has to step up. If they don't then these children will suffer. I do, however, think the program could be improved. Why not insist that those benefiting from this program help out? Obviously, these bags are going to have to be filled every week so why not schedule a number of parents each week to assist in filling the bags? This would cut down on the number of agency employees needed each week, thus freeing them up for other tasks, and would give the parents a sense of ownership, pride in a job well done, and maybe develop some work skills. 

We all know that handing people everything breeds an entitlement attitude and a sense of helplessness. These parents may feel like they can't do anything to feed their children because they are so used to others doing it for them. Getting involved in the process could benefit them and our society in many ways.

I realize that I am making a lot of generalizations and that there are many hardworking parents out there who need this assistance in order to make ends meet. I am not talking about them. I am talking about those able bodied adults who sit home and wait for the government to take care of them; those who are so used to having everyone else do things for them that they don't know how to help themselves. This could be one step in the process to them learning how to help themselves. 

Just my thoughts on this issue. What do you think?

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We had a great time this past weekend at the Eagle Mills Craft Show. We had very friendly neighbors and met a lot of nice people. 

To our left was Hummingbird Haven Herbs, owned by Kate and David Michalski. It is an American made small business that seems to have developed the right formula in their herb blends as well as in the way they operate their business. Kate engages every person who walks past their booth, offering them samples of their blends. She is friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to spend the time to answer any questions you may have. 

Naturally, we purchased some of their blends - Ristorante Roma, Onion Chipotle Dip, Taste of Tuscany. I used 2 tablespoons of the Onion Chipotle in 20 oz of ground turkey the other day and shaped the turkey into hamburgers. It was delicious! Just the right amount of flavor with a little bit of a kick! I also used some of the Taste of Tuscany as a rub on pork chops. Again, very good! I can't wait for an occasion to make some of the dips!

Kate and David are at many shows in the Capital District area of New York State, but if you don't see them at a show you can order their herb blends at www.humingbirdhavenherbs.com. You won't be disappointed!

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Select 18" and 22" rope necklaces have been reduced 50% and are selling very quickly at shows! If you want one I suggest you don't hesitate to place an order. Special orders will be at full price. Click on the links below each picture or go to www.cruisincreations.etsy.com to place your order.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/104069094/sale-50-off-brown-knitted-beaded-rope?ref=shop_home_active_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123632666/wow-50-off-sale-rust-orange-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_6

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123633821/wow-50-off-sale-purple-knitted-rope?ref=shop_home_active_8

https://www.etsy.com/listing/104065417/wow-50-off-sale-beaded-yellow-knitted?ref=shop_home_active_11

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The weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend so why not take a drive down scenic Route 20 to Sharon Springs, NY for their 2014 Fall Festival? Cruisin' Creations will be in the Etsy Marketplace. Stop by, say Hello, and pick up something special for yourself or someone else. 

Until Next Time...

Diane