Wake Up! Waukesha

My son Jordan spent much of Christmas Break time-off from college on the blustery surfaces of Okauchee Lake, He and his friends were... Ice-Fishin'!

No fancy shelters, firepits, or heaters for these intrepid outdoorsmen. These lads went out with their gear loaded in a couple of old 5 gallon paint buckets. Jigs, shiners, tip-ups, and hand-warmers. They carried Jordie's Grandpa Darrell's "Lucky" ice auger and a snow shovel. Spots were scouted and friendly hello's extended to others in the general area. Ice was cleared and after careful deliberation, holes dug.

 And they waited...and talked, and they jigged their lines...and they waited...and "Strike!!" Their tip-up had a line set and they dove for their first-ever ice-fishin' catch - a beautiful Northern Pike. They screamed and jumped and laughed. They could not believe some fish picked their 12" spot on all of Okauchee to hit on a minnow. Other fishermen in the area waved congrats to the couple of college kids who "got lucky". And everything settled back down. 

"Strike!" Another hit - another fish! More laughing and backslapping. Only this time the other fishermen didn't appear quite as happy for my son and friend. The kids didn't even notice - cellphones were out and the boys were calling anyone who would answer with news of their incredible success!

After 2-3 more catches that first day, they packed it in and 7 hours after leaving, they headed home for warmth and storytelling. Digital photos were produced and emailed, and suddenly Jordan had several friends including Jeff, Drew, Ryan and more volunteering to keep him company on his next trip.

There were several more "next" trips to Okauchee with quite a few different buddies. Grandpa's "Lucky Auger" never let them down. Every trip a success. Sometimes only Northern; other times perch and bass for good measure. The fish stories were fun to play over and over again, and yes - they looked cold...really cold. The truth is they enjoyed the best memories ever - each other's company. The upside down buckets provided these kids with the best fishin' memories - memories shared with good buddies.

I know Grandpa Darrell is proud that his Lucky Auger got a second wind with Jordie and his friends. Darrell also noted to all that "he was the first to take Jordan ice-fishing" several years ago. Jordan came home and told his mother how he had called Darrell from the ice to let him know how well they were doing. My own joy at seeing these kids enjoy something non-electronic and get "back to basics" was heartfelt.

They are back at school now. The fish were all "catch & release". The auger dried-off and put away. The tip-ups and jigs now stored in those 5 gallon buckets. And, under strictest orders from my son, I can only tell you the holes have frozen back over on  "that southern part of the Lake". 

Like the ice on Okauchee, my son and his buddies will return.

2007 was a transition year for many. My youngest, Caitlin, completed her Waukesha School District studies and is now a freshman at UW-LaCrosse. Our oldest, Kelly, completed her college studies and is now gainfully employed within the local Brookfield workforce. The net effect - our "empty nest" has traded a high-schooler for a college grad, and the difference is marked. Our "baby" is away in a dorm making her own schedules and balancing her studies with socialization opportunities. Here - we now have a dinner companion who actually wants to share her daily workforce adventures and discoveries! It's refreshing....And 2008 promises more family enlightenment on many different levels.

Professionally, our company worked it's way through an increase in sales volume while adding to and training our workforce. Hiring newcomers is relatively easy. Finding the time to assess, properly train, and then utilize their talents is difficult when your workload pushes them to their positions before they are truly ready. Early balanced 2008 demands should allow time for us to implement a training program we know works for the betterment of both employee and employer.

On the 2007 "volunteer front", I joined many in sadly saying our final goodbyes to Mr. Bob Duckett, a Waukesha Education Foundation board stalwart. His energy, enthusiasm, drive, and bright spirit were inspirational. Bob in his 80's was a remarkable role model who outworked and out-hustled people half his age. His legacy for 2008 and beyond will be felt by the future grant recipients of the newly-formed Bob Duckett Familty Fund. This fund was created with numerous memorial donations (at Bob's request) to the WEF in his name. What a great, lasting tribute to a great person. ... And a wonderful example to others in 2008.  

The Waukesha Civic Theatre continued to get better and better in 2007. The Community has generously responded to their capital fund-raising program, and 2008 will bring these funds into play. As a result, facility improvements and key personnel decisions will protect and enhance this jewel of creativity and entertainment in Downtown Waukesha for years to come.   

The Town of Brookfield continued, in 2007, to push for improvements while running its' daily operations much like a well-established business. Passage of the 2008 budget showed an almost Zen-like focus on efficiencies. This budget is best described - "Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify.” — Henry David Thoreau. The Town will hold the line on taxes (again in 2008) while maintaining a high-level of municipal services. And let's not forget the Town July 4th Celebration - The best place for a family to be when celebrating our Country's birthday.

 There is a whole lot positive coming in 2008. Savor the moments - explore the opportunities - enjoy the journey!