Max the Murder Cat

 Honestly, I just want a place to infodump this! We went to the Lizzie Borden house on the way home from a Boston/Salem visit and, of course, Robin wanted a plush toy from the gift shop. They picked out a plush of Max the Murder Cat. He was an actual cat who lived at the B&B until recently. 

In 2005, someone claimed to see cat toys under the couch in the Lizzie Borden house. On a forum post from April 2005, someone states that they have a ghost cat in the house and his name is Max. This person may have been a tour guide at the time. There have been manifestations of a ghost cat, both vocalizations and physical. Apparently, both the maid (Bridget "Maggie" Sullivan) and Abby Borden (the stepmom) had cats at some point in the house. 

B&B curator Lee-ann Wilber was Max's human. She found him around 2006 when her neighbors moved and left Max behind. 

In 2008, Max is featured in a home movie: "Lizzie Borden's Cat."

In 2010, he is featured on the website Lizzie Borden Warps and Wefts.

Max went missing for three weeks back in early 2014. He had been living at the B&B for nine years at that time. 

In Aug of 2016, Max was hit by a car. He was rushed to the hospital and made a full recovery. 

In Feb of 2018, Max spent 11 days at the vet, but no diagnosis. 

In Aug of 2019, the Lizzie Borden house posted a picture of him (Max Schreck Renn Borden) in the parking lot, stating he's now 19 years old. 

In June 2021, Lee-ann Wilber passed away. There was a fund set up in her name for the Animal Rescue League of Fall River. 

A few weeks after she passed, Max passed away as well. There was a mysterious Facebook post on Lee-ann Wilber's page, stating: “Hello All!!! I am doing well in the place I am. Max is here and being the best boy ever. I wish to thank you all for caring for him until we were able to be together. I wish to thank you all for the love and energy you are sending!!! Love to each and every one!” Obviously, this was a weird, sick joke. But it is nice to think that Lee-ann and Max were reunited in the afterlife. 

Autism and Quaker Schools

 I'm struggling with something. 

We've applied to three Quaker schools. We've been rejected from two so far, and the third is not a favorite choice (super academic). We've been told that Robin is very sweet, but she didn't connect with other children during one observation. We don't have a reason for the second, yet. 

We have a friend who is also autistic and has also been rejected from a fourth Quaker school. This school said the quiet part out loud and said it is because he is autistic. 

From Friends Council: 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Friends schools value and embrace the diversity of cultures and religions in their communities. The curricular approach in Friends education is committed to the rich diversity of multiple perspectives, cultivated through each student's voice engaged in inquiry. Friends schools continually review and change curricula in ways that are responsive to the current world context through studies with artistic and intellectual value that are culturally diverse.

I find the use of the word "inclusion" to be strange here, now with my knowledge of the rejections. 

Sure, private schools are allowed to reject an applicant for any reason (or no reason). But I do wonder what the official stance on children with learning disabilities or autistic children is in regards with Quaker or Friends Schools.