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Hobbies & Hangouts, a program of Making Community Connections, offers classes for the people we serve and those without disabilities to learn together and form relationships. Each class is offered as a series to maximize opportunities for connection. Our latest class, the Nature Series, was attended by Talia Glass, a member of The Jewish Fund Teen Board internship program, generously funded by the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation. Below is Talia's account of the event.

I was lucky enough to attend the first of the series, which focused on nature and the importance of being outside. Initially the plan was to learn to fish, but due to the air quality, Jarc was able to pivot into finding a new indoor activity while still encompassing the essence of nature: making bird feeders. 

At the Johnson Nature Center, attendees and I were met with our incredible instructor Cass, who began by telling us a traditional Ojibway tale on how hummingbirds created the stars. Conflict between the animals continued to boil over until the great spirit, Gitchi Manitou, created a blanket over the sky, blocking out the sun. Each creature attempted to remove the veil but they were all unable to return to the light. Finally the hummingbird asked the larger animals if she could try but the others scoffed and discouraged her. No hummingbird would be able to accomplish what these great animals were unable to do. Even with the demeaning words from her peers, the hummingbird flew up to the sky higher than the eagle and began to poke holes in the sky to let the light in. Seeing her determination, Gitchi Manitou removed the veil of darkness and allowed the day to return and all of the animals were able to live in harmony. 

Following the story, we were given owl pellets and broke them apart to find different bird bones inside. We were provided with a sheet that displayed different bone structures and which animal they belonged to so we were able to match the bones we found. During this period of discovery I was able to talk to some of the attendees. Each person I met was incredibly kind and so invested in the program.

Afterwards, we assembled our own birdcages before placing them outside as different birds and a few squirrels rushed to investigate our new creations. We were then graced with the presence of Johnson Nature Center’s very own Great Horned Owl. This majestic creature astounded everyone with its large presence. 

“My favorite bird is a blue jay,” said Johnathan, who has been served by Jarc since 1999, “I love coming to the Hobbies and Hangouts events and learning new things.”