The ‘Recipe for Human Connection’ (RFHC) class at Hazen Union School is a special part of CAE’s place-based education partnership with Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union (OSSU). The RFHC experience is designed to center creativity, collaboration, and community-building through the lens of food. Words and photographs by Reeve Basom, CAE's Place-Based Education Coordinator and leader of Recipe for Human Connection class.

To the students from Hazen Union’s ‘Recipe for Human Connection’ class - we are grateful for the many gifts you have shared with the community this year:  
    •    At the monthly community lunch, you served a total of over 1000 meals - always delicious and cooked with love.
    •    You designed special activities to share the experience of cooking together with Hazen middle schoolers.
    •    You did an outstanding job presenting to educators at a statewide VSAC conference - leading discussion and cooking activities to help adults experience the magic of connecting through food.  
    •    You hosted visiting students and teachers from CVU who were inspired to learn about Recipe class and came to help out with the community lunch.
    •    You contributed articles to the Hardwick Gazette.
    •    You planned and served teacher appreciation lunches.
    •    You baked delicious desserts to support community events hosted by Hardwick Area Neighbor to Neighbor.
    •    You caught the attention of professionals doing drug abuse prevention work, one of whom commented that the Recipe for Human Connection class and the community meal is the best prevention work they can imagine. 
    •    You were creative, generous, curious, and collaborative. You tried new things, made mistakes, found solutions, and learned from each other. 
Thank you for cooking up so much joy and connection!