‘A Brooks Tale’

It was the Christmas Holidays.

I loved being off school for over a week!  It was, first of all fun, to experience Christmas…with our aluminum Christmas tree…and the red balls that hung on it…but alas…no blue light to illuminate it.

My favorite Christmas toy was Laughing Santa.  He was a jolly, little, stuffed fellow…with a crank on his back, that when turned, the most joyful sound of uproarious laughing…emitted…from Santa’s belly.

I had received Santa in my hometown of Chicago…in happier times.  We moved from Chicago to Eldorado, Illinois…when I was five years old.  Not long after that…Mom and Dad divorced.

We had roast beef for Christmas…it was Mom’s speciality.  Also, coffee cake…which was to die for…as my buddy Ron would say.

My aunt Wanda and my cousins, Billy and Brenda, were there.  I liked Brenda…she was my babysitter.  And, my aunt Guelda, who I swear was Jewish, and Vema, who I did not like, and her husband Ed.

I had asked for a Polaroid camera, called a Big Swinger…as opposed to the Swinger, and what do you think happened…a Christmas Miracle…I received the Big Swinger!

I took a lot of Polaroid photos.  They were a big hit with the Christmas crowd.

The day after Christmas, I caught my neighbor Lanny for a ride into town…to see a movie.

Lanny was a few years older than me and he could drive and he could drink.

One time,

Lanny told me that he would introduce me to a girl, who was his age, and that, ‘she gives’…I wondered if he meant Green Stamps?

On the way to the Orpheum…I noticed a small bottle that was sitting next to Lanny and I, in the front seat of his car.  It had on the label, Peppermint Schnapps.

I asked Lanny if I could have a drink…and he said drink up…but be careful…as that stuff will, ‘knock you on your butt.’

I drank a long swig of the delicious elixir…it was heavenly…and it made me cough.

Next to the bottle of Schnapps was a bottle of vodka.  I took a couple of full drinks of that bottle…as well.

Lanny, pulled up to the front of the Orpheum…and he asked if I was alright…I said that I was never better…and I exited his car and felt like I was walking over railroad ties.

Earlier, in the Holiday Season, I had attended a Christmas showing of Mary Poppins at the Orpheum Theatre.

After the Holiday Performance…the Lions’ Club had the most magnificent baskets for each of us…that were full of candy and fruit and small gifts.

I have admired the Lions’ Club ever since.

Mom, extolled…yea commanded…that no one visit her from Thanksgiving until Christmas Day.  Her reason was that she needed the time to prepare for Christmas.

When I first heard her impassioned plea…I thought that there must be a tremendous workload in the preparation for Christmas Day.

I, could not help but notice that the primary preparation was mental pondering.  Mom took a nap each afternoon…and often prior to the nap…she would tell me what was ahead…in preparation for the big day.

It entailed, house cleaning, of which I assisted, and the preparation of the Holiday Feast, and the important, construction of the aluminum Christmas Tree.

Aluminum Christmas Trees…were very popular in the 60’s.

We did not celebrate Thanksgiving…it was the first day for the ultimate preparation…for Christmas!

One Christmas Season…Mom announced that, ‘This Christmas…we are going out for dinner!’

Earl, my stepfather, replied that, ‘June…there will not be any restaurants open on Christmas Day.’

Mom announced, ‘Two Tony’s…will surely be open…and that is where we will go for Christmas Dinner.’

On Christmas Day…we drove to both of the Two Tonys’ Smorgasbords that were in our region…they were closed.

We drove all over; Eldorado, and Harrisburg, and West Frankfort…and more…no restaurant was open.

We finally found…Poor Boy’s Market in Harrisburg…open…at about 6:00 P:M:.

We purchased some hamburger and buns.

Our Christmas Dinner was Hamburgers and french fries…and it was good.

This past Sunday, a madman, murdered 58 people who were attending a Country Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Four hundreds and eighty nine people were injured, out of a crowd of over twenty two thousand that were attending the last night of the Festival.

‘Authorities say the 64-year-old gunman, Stephen Paddock, fired from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino at a crowd attending a music festival below.  When police entered his hotel room, they discovered Paddock had killed himself.’   CBS This Morning

This massacre has become the new…deadliest mass shooting in modern American history.

So, what is the answer?

Many of our political leaders have said…that we must pray for the families of the fallen…

Gun enthusiasts extol the virtue of the second amendment and our right to bear arms.

Many tell us that our right to bear arms…protects us from the evil and criminal…that will purchase guns regardless of what the law is.

‘According to the Congressional Research Service, there are roughly twice as many guns per capita in the United States as there were in 1968: more than 300 million guns in all.  Gun sales have increased in recent years.’   Guns in America, By the Numbers: NPR

I believe in the second amendment.

I own a few guns.

I have a FOID Card.

Imagine…you and your family…attending the Country Music Festival in Las Vegas.  Many of us love Country Music.

I can visualize; Mary Jane and Aaron and Jonathon and I…first hearing what sounds like firecrackers…and thinking that it must be part of the performance.

I can viscerally feel…what it must have been like…to witness…persons at your left and your right and in front of you and behind you…being shot…with a hail or rain of bullets from the sky…and the blood and the fear and the confusion.

I can see the fear in my wife’s eyes and my boys…and feel the terror…in my heart.

We must do something as a nation.

If guns make us safe…we should be the safest nation…on the Globe.

Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, says that there will, likely, be a vote on ‘bump stock’ after Las Vegas Shooting.

The ‘bump stock’ is used to convert a semi-automatic gun into an automatic gun…which are outlawed in the United States.

Australia has outlawed automatic and semi-automatic weapons since, ‘Martin Bryant went on a shooting spree in Tasmania and killed 35 people with a semi-automatic rifle.’   CNN

There have been no mass shootings in Australia…since this law was passed.

‘The lead guitarist of a country music band playing Route 91 Harvest festival, where a gunman murdered 58 people on Sunday night, has said the horrific experience of the attack has changed his views on gun laws in America.’

‘I’ve been a proponent of the [second] amendment my entire life, ‘Caleb Keeter posted on Twitter.  ‘Until the events of last night.  I cannot express how wrong, I was.’      The Guardian

I walked around Campus Lake, today, on the Campus of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

I am still amazed and awestruck…by the natural beauty and wildlife that can be found on the Campus.

I began walking the Campus Lake Path in 1986…or thirty one years ago.  In 86′ I made it around the Path in 36 minutes…now it is nearly an hour for this 60 year old.

Although, since my retirement…I stop and take several photographs.

SIU has been historically renowned for its’ natural beauty.  I can personally attest that I have visited every university campus in Illinois…and SIU is the most beautiful…but…I am somewhat biased.

As the years have gone by, so very quickly, I have learned that nature is a great calming influence…a peaceful interlude…and a healing presence.

Former University President, Delyte Morris, brought trees from around the world to the SIU Campus.  His appreciation of the gift of nature has made the Carbondale Campus…a unique combination of the classroom and the natural environment.

SIU has had a constant appeal to students from urban settings.  The contrast from the hustle and bustle of their homes in the cities…and the idyllic songs of our Campus’ natural environment…is compelling.

In today’s world…we are never out of touch…or truly off duty…or enjoying a movie at the cinema on the weekend.  Email and texting and Facebook and cell phones…have…indeed…kept us in touch…24/7…and we are exhausted and emotionally spent.

How about…unplugging for awhile?  Why not study Philosophy…and then take time to ponder what you have studied…in the midst of the Earth’s wonders?

So often, we are told from our childhood…that we must study hard to obtain a good paying job to ascend the corporate or education ladder to be all that we can be.

But, there is life…and relationships…and children…and love and illness and sorrow and happiness and suffering and faith and doubt…and the lessons that nature can give us.

‘It is an archipelago among the Greater Antilles that includes the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller ones, such as Mona, Culebra, and Vieques.  The capital and most populous city is San Juan.  Its’ official languages are Spanish and English, though Spanish predominates.  The island’s population is approximately 3.4 million.  Puerto Rico’s rich history, tropical climate, diverse natural scenery, traditional cuisine, and attractive tax incentives make it a popular destination for travelers from around the world.’   Wikipedia

Our first visit to Puerto Rico was in 2008,  It was a Caribbean Cruise in commemoration of Aaron and Jonathon’s Graduation.

We had a shore excursion on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico.

We visited the rain forest.

We visited a fort.

The Puerto Ricans, that we met, were so friendly…I thought that this would be a lovely place to live.

I had the honor and pleasure of promoting a wonderful Puerto Rican gentleman, Jesus, during my tenure at Southern Illinois University.  He was one of the best upgrades of staff…that I ever made.  A professional in every way and a compassionate and caring person.  His example…was one to emulate.

We revisited Puerto Rico in January, 2012.  My buddy, Ron, joined us…and we had a wonderful time.

We stayed at the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino.  When we arrived a young lady offered us all a glass of champagne…and from then on…I was hooked.

As we toured the Old City…the following day…I was struck with the exuberance and hospitality of everyone that we encountered.

We were offered free samples of Bacardi Rum.  I went back for seconds.

I wandered into an intriguing Cigar Store.  Ron and Mary Jane followed.

The kind owner inquired as to what type of cigar that I was looking for…I answered with an euphoria… that was still remaining from the rum…a cuban cigar…the owner replied that I was still in the United States.

The gentleman owner…went on to give me a complimentary, delicious, churchill cigar.

I wonder about his store…after Maria.

Carmen Yulin Cruz, the mayor of San Juan…is an inspiration!

Mayor Cruz’s passionate pleas for aid for the thirsty and hungry and devastated residents of Puerto Rico…are the most moving and heartfelt that I have ever witnessed.

‘In an 11 hour period beginning at 7:19 a.m. and ending at 6:46 p.m. Saturday, the President of the United States ripped off 18–yes, 18! — tweets dealing with the dire situation in Puerto Rico following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria.’

‘The Mayor of San Juan, who was very complimentary only a few days ago, has now been told by the Democrats that you must be nasty to Trump,’ Trump tweeted.

‘Such poor leadership ability by the Mayor of San Juan, and others in Puerto Rico, who are not able to get their workers to help,’  Trump added.

‘They want everything to be done for them when it should be a community effort, 10,000 Federal workers now on Island doing a fantastic job.’

‘The words Trump used are telling.  ‘They want everything to be done for them,’ he tweeted.  ‘They’?  You mean the millions of American citizens in Puerto Rico?  And the not so-subtle suggestion of laziness in Trump’s tweets is just more of the same racially coded language that the President has trafficked in since the day he announced his campaign.’   CNN Politics

On Saturday Night Live, last night, ‘The sketch imagined a phone call between Mr. Trump and Carmen Yulin Cruz, the mayor of San Juan (played by the cast member Melissa Villasenor).  ‘I’m begging you, Puerto Rico needs your help,’ she told him.’

Mr. Baldwin responded, ‘You called the best person for the job, ‘Trust me, I know things are, as the locals say, despacito.’

‘He promised to send help ‘by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest.  ‘When Ms. Villasenor said that wouldn’t be good enough, he replied, ‘Well, you should have paid your bills.  FEMA takes a few days, unless you join FEMA Prime.’

‘At one point, Mr. Baldwin said, ‘We want to help you, but we have to take care of America first.  ‘Ms. Villasenor replied, ‘You do know we’re a U.S. territory, don’t you?’   The New York Times

I wonder…if our President…has been drinking rum…as I was…and forgot…that Puerto Rico…is the United States?

Photos from the Atlantic.

‘A Brooks Tale’

It was a cold afternoon and it felt more like winter…than the day before Thanksgiving.

Dennis and I decided, on what is always a relatively slow day on Campus, to find something useful to do.

We decided to take some large, 55 gallon waste receptacles, over to the the Health Service custodial area and our buddy, Gerald, said that he would come with us and help us.

The temperature was in the 20’s and the wind was howling.

‘How many will we need, Mr. Brooks,’ asked Gerald?

‘Let’s take four,’ I responded.

When we got outside, Dennis uttered his annual cold weather remark, ‘It is colder than the balls on a Brass Monkey.’

I grabbed one of the large containers and Dennis hoisted one as well.

Gerald, took two…and they were almost as big as he was.

Dennis and I were laughing and talking about the upcoming holidays and Ray and the cold.

I remarked, ‘where is Gerald?’

‘He is a block behind us…and he is doubled over…as if he is in pain,’ responded Dennis.

We quickly walked back to Gerald and he told us that he had a terrible pain in his chest.  When we told him that we would take him to the emergency room…he declined and said that it was somewhat better.

For the remainder of the day…Gerald periodically rubbed his chest and hunched over in his chair…but when asked how he was doing…he said that he would be alright.

I pondered my friends illness and thought that he was young for heart issues…he was 39 years old.

At the time…I was 29.

Gerald had a heart attack over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Each, last, day of the University’s  work year, as we received a generous week or more vacation surrounding Christmas and New Years, I reflected on what had happened in my career over the past year.

At times, I was very pleased with what we had been able to accomplish as a department.

The commendation letters that we had received…the special events that we had been able to prepare for and exhibit an excellent appearance…that exemplified the first class education that students received at SIU…and the people that we had been able to help…and offer opportunity to.

At the conclusion of other years…I was happy that it was over…it had been stressful and difficult…and I knew that I had plenty more coming.

When, Astrid, telephoned me and announced that she and others had placed my name in the running for person of the year for the Illinois Rehabilitation Association…I was so very humbled.

She mentioned that if I was selected for the award that my name would be included in the contention for the National Rehabilitation Award given by the National Rehabilitation Association.  I was speechless.

It seemed to me that the inclusion of persons with disabilities into our organization…was not only the normal and right thing to do…but that it was a supreme honor to have them working with us and to be our colleagues.

My friend, the Chancellor was terminated short of her first year…in the office.

She had confidence in me and my abilities…that I could not understand.

She wanted to advance me in the organization…although I neither sought advancement nor desired it.

After her termination…she spoke…for years of wanting Mary Jane and I to follow her…when she became a chancellor at another University.

I told Gerald, one day long after his heart attack, that I had enjoyed a dinner at Mary’s Restaurant in Herrin, Illinois, that cost several hundred dollars.

Gerald responded that he had never paid that much money for dinner.

I said, ‘that I had more time than money.’

Gerald, admonished me, ‘do not say that Mr. Brooks…you don’t know that.’

Now, I am about to turn 60 years old.

Was that a dream…or is this?

Last evening, my former colleague and friend, Brad, shared with me an article regarding the new chancellor of The University of Missouri, Alexander Cartwright.

Brad, knew that I would have an appreciation for the fact that chancellor Cartwright had, at one time, worked as a custodian.

‘After growing up in the Bahamas, Cartwright’s first job in the United States was cleaning farm buildings and working second shifts as a factory custodian to afford community college.’   The Columbia Missourian

Brad, has heard me say…and write…many times, that there is untapped and often unsought… potential in the members of the housekeeping and Grounds and Service Community…at SIU.

During my years at SIU, I witnessed so many powerful ideas and acts that benefited the University, that came from members of the Building Services’ Staff…that I was compelled to speak to numerous chancellors and presidents regarding the untapped potential that was in their civil service community.

My colleague and friend, Bill V., wrote a monthly newsletter…that extolled the virtues of Southern Illinois University.  His well thought out ideas were sought by both chancellors and presidents.

Joyce D. oversaw and taught a comprehensive training program for Building Services employees…that was the envy of the Universities’ Official Training Officer.

When Provost, John Dunn, needed members of the University Community to reach out to prospective students..he told me that no one responded in greater numbers than the civil service staff.

My friend, Elizabeth, began as my assistant in Building Services,…she is now the Vice President of the Civil Service Council and a vital aid to the Director of Plant and Service Operations.  She is the consummate professional…and you would have to search for a long time to find anyone who loves Southern Illinois University more…or who is working harder for its’ success and renewal.

The custodial staff…the grounds workers…the food service staff…know of many changes and improvements…that can greatly enhance the recruitment and retention of our most precious citizens…our students.

My colleague and friend, Gerald, began a Thanksgiving Dinner that was loved by our over two hundred student custodial staff.  This act of caring and appreciation for SIU students…went far in keeping them at the University.

Steve B., worked with us for several years, in Building Services, is now, and has been for some time, teaching English in Taiwan.  He is also a master photographer.

Jonathon, my son, was so appreciated by the students that ate at Lentz Hall…during his time working for Food Service…that they created a Fan Club for him.  He and I often walk on Campus, during his lunch hour, and it is the rare day that he does not stop…numerous times…to greet students…who know him…and are his friends.

Chancellor Don Beggs…sought my opinion and I was honored and humbled by his confidence.

I was asked by Chancellor Argersinger to assist in recruitment efforts during her tenure.

I was asked by Chancellor Wendler to be a part of the Southern @ 150 Committee.

I was asked, on numerous occasions, by President Glenn Poshard…my opinion regarding a plethora of University issues.

I have witnessed Building Services staff; bring nightly food for their student workers and invite them to their home for holidays and make certain that they had studied of an exam and be there for them…with a shoulder to cry on and encouragement for them.

When University leaders are searching for ideas to improve the SIU student experience and searching for members of the Community…that are passionate about  their School…search no further…than the true career members of the University…the civil service staff.

Each year, Jonathon, alerts me when it is Banned Books Week.

‘Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read.  Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information.  Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community – librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers – in shared support of the freedom to seek and express ideas, even those considered unorthodox or unpopular.’   Banned and Challenged Books

Here is a Top Ten List of Banned Books:

1. The Wish Giver by Bill Brittain
2. An Alphabet for Rotten Kid by Davide S. Elliot
3. A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
4. Jean Has Two Moms (Jean a deux mamans) by Opheilie Texier
5. Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
6. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
7. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
8. Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
9. Black Boy by Richard Wright
10. This One Summer by Maniko and Jillian Tamaki

The top ten banned books Atlanta librarians think you should read

‘The 10 most challenged books in the US last year:

1. This one Summer by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by Jillian Tamaki
2. Drama, written and illustrated by Raina Telegemier
3. George by Alex Gino
4. I am Jazz written by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, and illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas
5. Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan
6. Looking for Alaska by John Green
7. Big Hard Sex Criminals by Matt Fraction, illustrated by Chip Zdarsky
8. Make Something Up: Stories You Can’t Unread by Chuck Palahniuk
9. The Little Bill series by Bill Cosby and illustrated by Varnette P Honeywood
10. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

The Christian Science Monitor

‘Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian novel by American writer Ray Bradbury, published in 1953.  It is regarded as one of his best works.  The novel presents a future American society where books are outlawed and ‘firemen’ burn any that are found.’   Wikipedia

Jonathon and I went to Morris Library, on the Campus of Southern Illinois University, to honor Banned Books Week.

Thank goodness, for Universities and High Schools and Grade Schools…that believe in freedom of thought and speech and writing and literature.

I would not want to see the Bible banned…would you.

When we say that we wish prayer would be returned to our schools…are we talking about all religions?

Will the Muslim and the Jew be allowed to pray…along with the Christians?

Are, Our, freedom of prayer political advocates talking about all Christian faiths praying…I am Presbyterian…or are they thinking of only fundamentalist christian faiths?

I wonder if we could all take a moment to consider…what is your truth in literature and writing and freedom of thought and freedom of speech…and does it represent the entirety of the human family…or if you are a person of faith…the entirety of God?

At 10:00 am this morning, new Chancellor Carlo Montemagno, gave his first State of the University address at Shryock Auditorium.

I was so pleased to see the main floor, full, and several people in the balcony.

I have never met the Chancellor…but I was impressed with his vision for renewal of the SIU Campus!

Dr. Montemagno, demonstrated a clear grasp of the storied history of Southern Illinois University, and quoted from Betty Mitchell’s ‘Illustrated History of SIU’, which is one of my favorite books regarding our School.

He traced the rise of SIU under the profound leadership of former President Delyte Morris and then the stagnation…once we reached our great height of enrollment.

The Chancellor, went on to illustrate, that we are now clearly poised for renewal…if we make the right decisions…quickly.

Carlo, as I am told he request being called by his first name, outlined a reorganization of academic departments into the colleges that can best facilitate the synergy of their strengths.

Chancellor Montemagno stressed that the student must be at the center of all academic decisions…the student is first!

He noted the importance of those who maintain the Campus being active ambassadors of SIU…and that we are all Salukis.

I have always known that the custodian or the grounds worker or the food service person…that connects with one of our students…that person…to that student…is SIU.

The new Chancellor’s plan for a comprehensive reorganization is going to be rapid…or as he said, ‘for academicians…it will be at warp speed’, but the seriousness of the situation…demands that no time be wasted.

Dr. Montemagno, announced that in January the University Museum will be reopened…to joyful applause!

The new Chancellor spoke, at some length of the inextricable link that Southern Illinois University and Southern Illinois have with each other.

There has not been a pay raise for faculty or staff for some time.

Carlo, announced that he will propose a salary increase for staff and faculty in the Spring.

The Chancellor…referred to the Carbondale Campus as the Flagship of Southern Illinois University…and has a comprehensive plan…to return us to our rightful position.

He noted that SIU Carbondale…is already distinct among Universities in Illinois due to our academic programs and that he wants us to become a Carnegie I Institution.

Southern Illinois University…is the economic engine for the entire Southern Illinois Region.  When SIU succeeds…Southern Illinois flourishes.

Carlo spoke of SIU increasing it’s visibility throughout the region.  When McLeod Theatre sent it’s Players to my little grade school, in Eldorado, Illinois, I first learned what an exciting and wonderful place…SIU must be!

I have been a student of leadership…most of my life.

I have heard many…installed University Leaders…speak…today…I heard a true leader…and it was inspirational!

Today, the Chancellor, stated that we were his family…and somehow…I believed him.