Learned & Earned

(The attempted explanation of city commission government to recently graduated first-graders.)

Oh, this wouldn't be service-learning without those hard-earned lessons, even for the parents, now would it? It should be no surprise that the making of Fried Eagle had many.

There were lots of minor lessons--hurdles, really--to get through. When added up, it makes everything feel like a huge accomplishment (in addition to the exhaustion that accompanies that satisfaction; but it's all okay because, hey, we're parents and we're used to it).

However, the major lessons were a bit of a revelation. Specifically, the photocopying and hands-on assembly of the zine. Who knew that photocopying a mere 100 zines could last an entire evening and blow through dinner? And who knew that the collation and stapling of those zines--with children, mind you--would take nearly three hours? Not to mention the anxiety and heart attacks (and the admiration for those mellow parents; this author not included) from the constant redirection of those beloved children armed with long-armed staplers and those who squirreled away favorite tacks, staples and nails inside tight fists.

Oh, yes.

(Maybe we shouldn't mention the wrestling that occurred on the carpet of IPRC's zine library, either.)

In the end, Documart saved the day. For just $1 per zine, Documart, photocopied, collated and stapled 100 Fried Eagles, and all we had to do was pick them up in a sturdy box.

Does this mean that IPRC is out of the picture?

No way. There's much to be had at this center. Far more than just zine production. Besides, the children learned a great deal from their experience.

And it shows.