Adirondack Weekend - Day 3

I slept much later this morning (0600), even though Juneau again woke me during the night.  Surprisingly, I was awake before Eileen and was able to let the dogs out and feed them again (with much more certainty).  Temps were in the single digits again but the weather was very nice otherwise.  It was a holiday so I didn't have to work or rush home yet.  Eileen was upstairs by 0630 and we strategized on what we could do before I departed for home.  In the end, we decided to do some chores (changing the water in her axolotls tank, moving firewood, cleaning) and then go out for some breakfast.  During the same window, I also packed my car so I could depart from the restaurant afterwards.  I said goodbye to the dogs (I always miss them when I'm gone) and, by 0900, we left Eileen's house.  We drove into town and got some delicious food at the Potsdam Diner.  While eating, we visited and talked some more and then Eileen went to work in Canton.  Meanwhile, I stopped at nearby Stewart's Shops Gas Station to put some air in my tires.  This ended up taking a while and I wasn't ready to leave town until almost 1045.  At that point, I realized that Eileen still had the sunglasses I'd loaned her.  When I called, she told me they were at her house so I went back there to retrieve them.  Heidi and her dogs were there again but things went better than before.  Because I'd driven south of Potsdam by this point, I was able to use NY-72 to drive towards New Hampshire.  On the way, I listened to audiobooks.  I used NY-11B, US-11, NY-190 and US-11 (again) to reach Champlain.  After accidentally getting on the ramp for I-87 there, I was able to back up to the rotary and get back on US-11 again.  I stopped for gas at Irving (1230) and then continued east.  As I drove east, I stayed in communication with the staff at Spectrum Youth and Family Services in Burlington (where I planned to stop for a tour).  At Rouses Point, I switched to US-2 and started my drive to the southeast.  I used VT-78 to cut across to I-89 (Swanton) and then made good time to Burlington.  Arriving at 1345, I used the ParkMobile app to pay for a parking spot (I later learned that, because it was a holiday, this was unnecessary).  The reason for my visit to Burlington was so I could follow up on philanthropy efforts I've been doing for the last several years.  Some back-story: while driving back and forth to hiking zones, I’ve often listened to a program on NPR called “The Moth Radio Hour.” - they always have great stories!  In 2019, I heard a man named Mark Redmond talking about his work with Spectrum Youth and Family Services.  His narrative was very inspiring - I really appreciated the way he explained how his life evolved as he got involved (and, later, became the Director) with the organization.  Spectrum supports at-risk youth (ages 14-24) and families in the Burlington area and helps them get their lives on track.  Perhaps what spoke to me most was Mark’s association of his personal transformation while being active inside his energetic and community-focused Catholic Parish.  After hearing about their mission, I decided to research Spectrum online and eventually made a donation in memory of my mother (Mary Coogan), who often supported groups like this.  Mark’s staff responded enthusiastically and we’ve been in constant contact over the last few years.  As I’ve learned more about Spectrum, I’ve come to believe even more in their mission and have participated in their "Growth Giver" campaign.  Today, I got to take another step in this process when Mark gave me a personal tour of Spectrum’s operations in Burlington.  We walked through the welcoming "Drop In Center" and then proceeded to the Warming Shelter and "The Landing" (simulated condo living).  Along the way, we passed through a health center, extensive kitchens and career center. Mark gave me a full description of how those who seek help are moved through a comprehensive process until they complete a full transition to independent living.  Some of the staff at these sites are former residents and previous participants in the programs offered there.  Spectrum also uses mentors, in-home counselors (for "broken" families) and a car detailing service (job training) as additional catalysts to support “life learning” experiences for the young people.  I feel very privileged to be part of this organization, even from the outside, and look forward to continuing my education on philanthropic organizations that prioritize a "faith that works."  My visit ended up taking about two hours - after saying goodbye to Mark, I made my way back out of town.  Just then, it actually started to snow and I wondered how hard it was going to be to get home without weather trouble.  Fortunately, it had warmed up into the 20s by that point... Eileen called and we talked for a while.  After that, I listened to audiobooks again.  To reach home, I used I-89 (with a stop at a rest area near Essex Junction to answer some texts).  Along the way, I began to feel very tired but still arrived home by 1730 without any scary moments.  I unpacked the car and sorted through a LOT of stuff I'd gathered in the previous few days.  Feeling quite energized after my weekend away and I'm now ready for the work week!