Munching Lunch - Thanks To A Bunch

I continue to be positively impressed by the incredible amount of caring for others that occurs here in this community that I love. While we often hear negativity and polarization there are many salient examples of exactly the opposite – networks of care and links of caring across the spectrum of our Milton.

For a great many of us, lunch time is a daily routine consisting of a bit of rest from our duties, something to eat, and a time to connect with friends and co-workers. Our biggest lunch decision may be what to pull out of the fridge and take in a bag to work, what drive-through to use today, or what selection to make at our café or restaurant. Lunch typically causes us few worries or concerns of any real significance.

But what if – there was little or no food in our fridge or cupboards and the paycheck would not arrive for several days, or other obligations had taken precedence thereby pushing food down the list? Lunch would become much more concerning and cause it to quickly become the focus of our worries, concerns, and stress.

You might ask, “Do we even have that kind of hunger issue in Milton?”.  The answer is a definitive yes. Twenty-five percent of the families in our school district are eligible for the State mandated free and reduced lunch program. That translates to 1 of every 4 students. This is a great program during the school year but that leaves questions about these same rising Red Hawks during the summer when there is no school 

Enter the Milton Summer Lunch Bunch. This “Bunch” is a group of volunteers who plan, organize, administer, and distribute free lunches during the summer. I expect that many are familiar with this program, but I also know that many are not.

This program has been around for a number of years and is currently operated as drive-through pick-up at a couple of locations. The Milton Summer Lunch Bunch doesn’t just happen. It is the result of many caring people volunteering their time, energy, and their hearts to feed others. I am sure you can imagine the many moving pieces, and administrative tasks required to make this program a success. They don’t agonize about loving their neighbor – rather, they simply behave in ways that show they do. They have stepped-up in kindness rather than being frozen in apathy.

The food for this program doesn’t simply materialize. It comes from many, many generous individuals, businesses, and other entities. Some are able to provide food, some time and volunteers, some supplies, and some financial support.

In addition to providing food, Summer Lunch Bunch also provides soul nourishment by creating a sense of belonging and inclusiveness spanning boundaries for all participants.

Your time and/or financial contributions are welcome. Thank you to all who make this program part of the very fabric of our great community.

After all, WE ARE MILTON

 

 

Is Hometown Ace Really The Place?

Sue and I have lived in our beloved home in the Milton College Historic Neighborhood for 48 years. I used to think that people who have lived in their homes for that long were really “old”, but my filter on that has changed. The house was built in the 30’s and we are only the second owner.

A house this old does present some challenges from time to time. Most recently, I would hear very funny noises in the water system after the softener had recharged. This included having significant amounts of water sprayed about in the basement. I was baffled by this at first (not mechanical or intuitive about mechanical things) but soon discovered that the tubing carrying the discharge from the water softener to the drain had worn out and had holes.

So, I headed to Hometown Ace to purchase what I was pretty sure I needed to correct this issue. I was confident it would be a quick in and out so stopped one morning before I headed off to work. Janet greeted me immediately and asked some very good questions to help me explain my situation so that she could best assist me.   It turned out not to be as simple as I thought and it was going to take some time to find the correct tubing, etc. I needed to leave for work so I told Janet that this was not an emergency, and I could come back that afternoon when my work shift was done.

After a couple hours at work, I received a voice mail from Janet explaining that everything I needed was ready for me and I could pick it up at my convenience at the service desk. To say the least, I was impressed. I know it took time and extra effort to fulfill my needs.

I stopped by later that day, presented myself at the service desk, and was handed my “stuff” by Sheila who also asked about other items I might need to complete this project. She then helped me find them.

My point here – would this have happened in Janesville or Madison? Maybe, maybe not. Would a Janesville business have spent the extra time and effort to find what I needed, cut the material to order, called me when it was ready, and then have it available at the service desk? Maybe, maybe not. Had I driven to Janesville or Madison and not been able to have my needs met and then have to make a return trip, I would not have been happy.

I find that 99% of my shopping needs can be fulfilled right here in our phenomenal city. I can think of no reason to go elsewhere. Some would reply that things cost more in Milton. Maybe a bit in some cases, but my time is valuable to me, so shopping locally helps me save time. I also save gasoline costs. Additionally, our local businesses are all extremely generous and supportive of so many activities both in the schools and the community at large.

Some would say that Janet and Sheila were just doing their jobs on that day they helped me. Maybe so, but they were doing their jobs in such outstanding ways. They didn’t just meet my expectations, they exceeded them.

Thank you, Janet and Sheila. And Delaney, thank you for creating this great customer service culture filled very effectively by these two and all your other staff members. I have never had a less than positive experience at Hometown Ace. Is it really the place? Absolutely!

#cruzan4milton#wearemilton

"Magic" Maker at the Middle School

“Magic” Maker at the Milton School

I don’t know about you but, if I am not careful, I find it so easy to slip into the doleful view of the world by which we are constantly bombarded in what we choose to listen to, watch, and read. While I don’t believe we should minimize the problems which our world presents, “magic” does indeed exist and, if we are intentional in looking for it, it is often much closer than we realize. In fact, I found it alive and thriving right at Milton Middle School.

One of my gigs of the past few months has been working as an AVID Tutor for 7^th and 8^th grade Rising Red Hawks. I have always known that Milton has outstanding teachers, administrators, and staff members at all our schools, but being in one of our buildings for a couple of hours two days a week has cemented this notion. While the “magic” exists in a variety of ways, I feel compelled to spotlight a salient example.

My routine at the Middle School starts soon after 7 a.m. I enter the side door from the parking lot and head toward the main lobby. I am barely started down the corridor when a robust greeting from the main lobby is called out to me from the generator of the “magic”.  I arrive in the lobby about the time the students are permitted to enter. The “magic” maker checks his watch and then flings open the doors and warmly bids the students to come in. It then becomes pretty much like rush hour at Grand Central Station for several minutes as they enter. The “magic” maker is in constant motion while enthusiastically greeting and welcoming students. With the recent snow and wet, he often has a mop which he employs vigorously trying to keep up with all that is tracked in, while also reminding students to stomp and wipe their feet as well as to be careful because the floor is slippery. All of this is completed in a directive but kind manner which exudes this “magic” maker’s caring for these kids.

As I have observed him, I don’t think he ever stops moving. If he is asked to unlock a door or fetch a piece of equipment, he runs. His positive energy is infectious and many of us pick it up from him. He’s a go-to guy who demonstrates positive, enthusiastic energy for anything asked of him.

While I doubt very much you would find the behaviors and values I have described above in his official job description, this “magic” maker clearly knows what his job is.

He role models enthusiastic work ethic, positive regard for those with whom he comes in contact, and he exudes caring and concern. What a great first morning contact for “our” kids. He inspired me to join him in that morning lobby and I found that supposedly elusive magic right there, right in front of me, waiting for me to step-up.

Head Custodian, Shawn Duhr, you are a true educator, positive role model, a community builder, and a “magic” maker for the students and staff of Milton Middle School. I admire you and I am inspired by you. Thank you so much!

“Polite – Prepared – Productive - Safe”