An update on the fire.

This weekend has been quite long - literally and figuratively. On Friday, Koby's day care was ravaged by fire (before any of the children arrived, thank goodnes), on Sunday, the Synagogue held a meeting to update the day care parents and staff about progress, and on Monday, Koby's class met to talk day care and other issues. (Unfortunately, we heard about the class meeting at 8:30 PM, and it had started at 7:00 PM, so we're not sure what happened there.)

As far as the day care, here's what we know: the fire started in the day care facility. It was not caused by natural causes (lightening and electrical have been ruled out), there is an investigation open as to whether it was arson. The authorities do not believe that it was a hate crime.

The fire was contained in one classroom, but the damage from smoke and soot is extensive. All the chemicals from the burning materials (paper, wood, plastic, fabrics, etc.) spread throughout the entire building, and cleaning is underway. The day care program (and more importantly, the professionals that they hired to clean everything up) believes that most furniture can be cleaned, most toys will need to be replaced, some books can be cleaned and others replaced, carpets will be replaced or cleaned as appropriate, ceiling tiles sealed or replaced, and walls sealed and painted. It's a big job. While this is happening, Koby's school will be closed. It will be at least a month before the school opens again. They are hoping to find an interim location for the next few weeks - we'll keep our fingers crossed.

If you happen to have double strollers, pack-n-plays or high chairs, the center is accepting those as donations. Email us if you'd like to make a donation of one of these items.

We'll continue to keep you updated.