You gotta have heart(s)

SALISBURY — Megan Conklin, a first-grade teacher at Salisbury Central School (SCS), announced to students from my school on March 24 that all Region One School District students should put hearts in their homes, windows, mailboxes, and even inside their cars to show unity. It was an idea suggested by Region One Superintendent Pam Vogel.

The hearts show appreciation to all the community members, especially everyone who is working on the front lines. All over Region One, hearts can be found, making community members smile.

Some people are getting a bit more creative, such as my neighbor, Etienne Delessert. Etienne is an artist who painted a beautiful piece featuring his dog, Roxy.

In the piece, Roxy is holding a flower in her mouth, which according to Etienne, represents hope that spring and better (virus-free) days will soon come. He is hopeful history will not repeat itself.

A previous art piece he put on display in his yard years ago was stolen. Later, it was safely returned unharmed. The portrait of Roxy is entitled “Ambassador of Hope.” It can be seen along Route 44 in Lakeville.

The displays of hearts caught on quickly; driving up and down 44 you can see chalk hearts, hearts on trees, hearts in windows and, of course, “The Ambassador of Hope” painting.

A great activity to get you out of the house is to do a heart scavenger hunt. You can drive around the Northwest Corner and try to spot hearts — it will be sure to warm yours.

You can also spread hope and love by putting some hearts in your own home!

Eloise Mallett is a fourth grader at Salisbury Central School. She enjoys blogging, traveling, playing with her dogs and negotiating with her sister, Langley, over whose turn it is to clean the hermit crab cage.

Etienne Delessert is an illustrator of children’s books who has worked with Eugene Ionesco and the child psychologist Jean Piaget — and our neighbor in Lakeville.

Eloise Mallett and students from all over the Region One School District are displaying hearts on their lawns and in their homes to create a sense of unity and appreciation. Photo by Lenore Mallett

Etienne Delessert took advantage of a recent sunny day to paint a portrait of his dog, Roxy, which is now out on his front lawn. Photo by Etienne Delessert​

Eloise Mallett and students from all over the Region One School District are displaying hearts on their lawns and in their homes to create a sense of unity and appreciation. Photo by Lenore Mallett