Warren School thanks Harvey Leonard

On May 4, Ari’s school, the Warren School in Ashland, was hopping with excitement. It was the official opening of the Warren School Weather Observatory. Mrs. Karen Taylor’s first grade class donned their handmade weather-themed hats, got their poems ready and went into the courtyard to view this massive structure for the first time. That alone would have been exciting enough, but there was one other piece which really put the icing on the cake. Channel 5 Meteorologist Harvey Leonard came.

Harvey spoke with the students about weather and why learning about the weather is so exciting and educational. Harvey also helped the children try out the new wooden deck, ladder and observation area, complete with a wind sock, weather vane and rain gauge.

The students asked questions, read their poems and asked more questions. Harvey soaked it all in, basking in the moment of seeing a new generation of children who would develop a true appreciation for his passion. Harvey showed a wealth of kindness and patience. He answered every question and reacted to every comment which came his way, including one from a boy who said, “I need to go to the nurse and get my allergy medication!”

Harvey then joined two students in the office to announce the first official weather station reading over the PA system to the entire school. First graders will be using the weather station daily, recording observations to log and reporting their findings to fellow students on the morning announcements.

Kudos to Mrs. Taylor for submitting the winning proposal to the Ashland Education Foundation, which provided a $2,000 grant. Volunteer Julian Doktor, a retired educator in Ashland, offered his skills as master craftsman. Indoor equipment allows weather readings in bad weather, too.

It was a day to remember at the Warren School in Ashland. Thank you Harvey Leonard for making it extra special.

The Words of the Dalai Lama

Before now, I had never read much about the Dalai Lama, the man one addresses as His Holiness. He looks like he's at peace, doesn't he? Here is a man who, at age 16, lost his freedom in Tibet. At age 24, he lost his country to harsh Chinese rule. Those years were filled with constant fear and threat. In the 50 years since, there has been continuous sad news from Tibet, which puts the Dalai Lama in a difficult position. Even so, he maintains people should approach life with compassion and a realistic attitude. He says peace of mind and good health bring big benefits, and create a peaceful atmosphere.

My friend Cece Doucette recently heard the Dalai Lama speak and shared her notes with me. I would like to share some of them here:

Humanity and a friendly attitude are primary. Kindness, love and affection are universal, they bring happiness. Friendship, concern and respect for one another are universal inner values.

When you approach life with an open heart, everyone is a potential friend. Hatred, anger and fear eat away at our immune systems. Those who go through life with the focus on I, My, Me have been scientifically shown to have a greater risk of heart attack.

Everyone is just a human being. When we look at someone, we should see that without regard for his or her status. There is no difference among us.

When we are frustrated by an outside event, close your eyes and go inside for peace. This is a good lesson for young people to learn today.

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. If life is too easy, obstacles seem too big. Develop a realistic attitude.

There is no singular solution to the world’s problems. If you base your life on material goals, you will never be content. There is no limitation, however, on mental values and spirituality.

Make a simpler life, be kind, do what you can for the ecology.


My point: It is easy to write and read these words. It is more difficult to put them into practice. Try to take even one message and follow through with it in your day-to-day practice. See what happens. You might be pleasantly surprised.