Whoomp! There It Is!

Some of you may read this title, scratch your heads, and pose the question – “Where is what?”.  I believe it is something for which most of us are longing and searching. We may not have articulated it or brought it to our consciousness, but I believe we share a yearning, a seeking, a need for that moment of “light”.  A moment that counterbalances and perhaps, even outweighs the discord, the polarization, the invective that is all around us nearly every minute. 

I certainly don’t have to remind or give examples of the extreme vituperation which fills our airwaves, our social media, our conversations at this rather tumultuous time in our country.  It seems that if I look cross-eyed at someone or raise an eyebrow that somehow we become polar opposites, enemies almost immediately,  Most people I talk with don’t like this and claim they want to do something about it but that “something” tends to remain elusive.  It’s like we’re trying to find our better angels but we’re coming up empty.

Could it be that we just aren’t looking in the right places, or, somehow, we’ve lost our eyes to see it? I am quite sure I suffer from this malady and I expect I’m not alone.  But, from time to time, I catch a glimpse and I am reminded that “it” is out there, and it is wonderful.

Just last week, a moment occurred in which “it” banged me right over the head. I wasn’t looking for it. I didn’t expect it. But I sure knew it when I heard about it. This moment was relayed to me by a lovely elderly lady for whom I serve as one of her caregivers.  She lives alone despite many, many challenges which would stop you or me in our tracks.  Last Wednesday, late in the afternoon, I stopped at her house to return her garbage and recycling bins to her garage.  The bins were not on the curb as I expected so I entered her house to check on things.  Here is her story.  She had grabbed her walker and traveled next door on foot to visit with her good friend and neighbor. As she was returning home, she decided she should bring in her bins. She parked her walker in her driveway, turned to grab the first bin, and then she heard a voice calling her. A young man ran up to her saying something to the effect, “Please let me do that for you. I don’t think you should.” And, at that, this young 7^th grade Rising Red Hawk took care of her bins and ensured she was safely in the house.  He was polite. He was proactive. No one told him to do this. There was no hesitation. He simply saw a need and filled it.

Whoomph! There It Is!  The light exists, and when it shines through, it warms the cockles of our hearts. 

Oh, that we could all act like Troy Aumann did last Wednesday. Our community, our world would be so much better.  Troy, thank you for showing us the way.  I applaud you and I give a nod to your parents, Jeff & Rhonda Ann, as you surely learned these values from them.

#cruzan4milton#WEAREMILTON#kindness

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Difference, They Make A Difference

A DIFFERENCE, THEY MAKE A DIFFERENCE

There’s a Charlie Brown cartoon depicting Peppermint Patty and Charlie Brown sitting under a tree. Peppermint Patty poses a question, “I wonder what teachers make?” Charlie Brown replies, “A difference, Peppermint Patty, they make a difference!” So true of teachers everywhere including special people right here in Milton. Many, many teachers make a difference, but some stand out as positive outliers, rising to a special stratosphere as they imprint their influence indelibly on their students’ lives.

One such influencer has lived in Milton for more than 50 years. His teaching career at Milton High School spanned 38 years. Technically, he’s now retired, but he continues to mentor, to instruct, to hold a high bar of craftsmanship & excellence, to attract students to his classes - now through Blackhawk Technical College - semester after semester. I personally know 3 women who, on registration day for BTC, rise at the crack of dawn, drive to the BTC Campus and vie for position in the registration line to ensure their places in his class. Those who don’t secure a place are sorely disappointed.

So, what creates this magnetism? Investment in his students and his community. Early in his career he was involved in coaching as well as teaching. He serves the broader community as a member of the City of Milton's Zoning Board of Appeals.

Listen to these sentiments provided by his students.

“He is a true master of all aspects of woodworking.”

“This man is so willing to impart what he knows so that others can improve their skills and gain a sense of accomplishment that comes with creating something with your own hands.”

“He is passionate about producing pieces that demonstrate a skill level that exceeds that of a mere crafter.”

“This man is a “wood whisperer”.

“I have done woodworking with this man for more than 30 years. If it wasn’t for his direction and mentoring, I’d still be making bird houses out of popsicle sticks.” 

He has his own workshop where he generously offers his time, expertise, encouragement, and observations to many of his devoted students. He loves to fish and shares his catch with his students at his annual fish fry potluck. He provides the fish and the opportunity for his students to showcase their woodworking craftsmanship. This is truly community building at its best. You can’t buy it. You can’t bring in a consultant to guide it. You just feel it and bask in the warmth and good feeling of caring & concern.

My hat is off to this man – this master craftsman, this teacher, this mentor, this friend. Jim Polarski, you perfectly embody the words of author Mitch Albom, “A Teacher's Shadow Can Hover For Life” We applaud you, we admire you, we so appreciate you, and we love you. Not only have you taught so many of us woodworking, you have also taught us how to live and how to make a positive impact. Our lives are so much richer and Milton is a better place because of your influence.

#cruzan4milton#WAM