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Monday, May. 20 Issue
Looking around at commencement exercises this weekend, of which there were many, it was hard to miss the emphasis on community – on the village that helps bring graduates to that special day, and the village that those graduates should aspire to join.

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Why Congress should spend more – on itself

Why Congress should spend more – on itself

Roberto Patiño feeds thousands of youths in a hungry country

Roberto Patiño feeds thousands of youths in a hungry country

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Humberto Duarte/Special to the Christian Science Monitor
Children smile at one of Roberto Patiño’s eateries, which have become a favorite place for hungry youth. There they receive nutrient-rich meals they cannot get in their own homes.
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Humberto Duarte/Special to the Christian Science Monitor
Zenaida Rea, a volunteer at one of the eateries, checks attendance at the gate.
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Humberto Duarte/Special to the Christian Science Monitor
A group of excited children can't wait to enter an eatery. They bring their own spoons, plates, and plastic cups.
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Humberto Duarte/Special to the Christian Science Monitor
Roberto Patiño has established 28 eateries in Petare, a shantytown in Caracas, Venezuela. These places offer a panoramic view of the capital city and its mountain range.
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Humberto Duarte/Special to the Christian Science Monitor
Roberto Patiño affectionately calls his female staff “las guerreras” (the warriors). Besides being mothers, these women work as cooks, servers, cleaners, and social workers.
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Humberto Duarte/Special to the Christian Science Monitor
Children enjoy their meals at tables made from reused materials like buckets and wooden planks.
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Humberto Duarte/Special to the Christian Science Monitor
With the help of volunteers, Roberto Patiño is feeding almost 9,000 children in over 100 dining halls across Venezuela.
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Humberto Duarte/Special to the Christian Science Monitor
Arlenis and her son Raibel visit the site of a new eatery that is being built at a school. In the background, Arlenis’ husband helps with the construction.
Gains, and losses, in Syria

Gains, and losses, in Syria

At Born Dancing, different abilities – but all in harmony

At Born Dancing, different abilities – but all in harmony

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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff
Greta Baier (c.) and other dancers with the nonprofit Born Dancing rehearse in New York before their winter performance. Born Dancing is founded on the belief that people of all ages and abilities should have access to every aspect of dance.
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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff
Dancers including Sara Schwabacher (doing a backbend), who has been a dancer and educator for close to 60 years, perform ‘Stillpoint’ during a dress rehearsal. One of the dancers in the piece is deaf.
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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff
Madison Ferris (l.) and professional dancer Madeline Charles perform in ‘Third Party.’ Ms. Ferris is a New York actor and dancer who made her Broadway debut in 2017 in ‘The Glass Menagerie’ starring Sally Field.
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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff
David Buffam, who has Parkinson’s disease, and Meagan Kolakowski, a professional dancer, perform ‘Only Connect’ during a dress rehearsal.
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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff
Melissa van Wijk (foreground), founder and executive director of Born Dancing, goes over choreography.
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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff
Ms. Kolakowski helps Greta with her makeup. The disabled fifth grader wants to go into the arts.
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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff
Dancers perform ‘Phantom Limb.’ All Born Dancing pieces are choreographed by Ms. Van Wijk. The company’s December production featured about 30 dancers.
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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff
Van Wijk chats with dancers before a dress rehearsal. She has a master’s degree in dance education from New York University and holds five New York State teaching certificates, including for students with disabilities in Grades 7 through 12.
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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff
Emily Francis (front) and Kelly Vaghenas perform a duet in 'Third Party.' Dancers range in age from 9 to 75.
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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff
Dancers, including Sarah Houbolt (2nd l.), who is blind, perform 'Sshhh' during a dress rehearsal.
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Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff
Patricia Beilman, who has Parkinson's disease, and a young dancer rehearse 'Only Connect.'
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