Feels Like Home To Me

Already, two weeks have come and gone since Milton’s great Independence Day Holiday Weekend Celebration. For me, this special time generated much reflection and introspection on a variety of levels.

For a small, but growing city, Milton sure seems to have a “lock” on how to celebrate this most meaningful holiday. There is a great deal of history that has brought us to this point – history filled with countless moving parts, and untold volunteer hours. The array of attractions and activities covers multigenerational age groups. What fun, but also, what a testament to community – to individuals, organizations, school groups, merchants, governmental bodies, all working cooperatively to provide a class act for all citizens and residents. This does not just happen, especially in our fragmented world. I believe we can be proud that, as a community, we have discovered ways of being together that make Milton such a wonderful place to live, work, raise children, and grandchildren. The multiplicity of Schilberg Park activities was phenomenal. I particularly enjoyed seeing some of our merchants, school groups, and other vendors there.

The Optimist Run has long standing memory for me. In ancient history, I used to run the 10-K but no more. For many, many years now, my brother-in-law (and good friend), Brian Bliese and I, as timers, have had the privilege of working at the very start of the race and then hightailing it to the finish line so that we can welcome those first miler finishers. This year we both enjoyed having a new generation - grandchildren (Toby, Tenley, and Gus) working with us. And so, it goes – the march of years.

The run is like a reunion. We greet and chat with people who have participated in this event for years. The volunteers in the results tent have done this for years as have those handling announcing the results and distributing ribbons and trophies.

I particularly like the picture below from this year’s event. In it you see the finish line. I am back-to in the black shirt (#milton pride) and Brian is on my right. On the other side of the street is Skip Drew. Skip and I are high school classmates and all three of us are Milton College graduates as is long-time Race Director and Municipal Judge, Kris Koeffler – Yes, The Spirit Lives. Also in this picture are the first mile finishers about ready to cross the line. The leader is my grandson, Ivan, and neck & neck with him is his friend Braden. The run is tradition, connection, & fun. It is also “give back” and helping young people grow. If you want & expect a vibrant and connected community that’s just what you do.

Milton’s July 4^th parade is also iconic. It’s a time for families and friends to reunite and rekindle important relationships. It’s a time for reminiscing, for catching up and renewing. The pride and celebration are palpable as, carried by our local veterans, our Stars & Stripes lead the way. This is always a respectful and honorable moment as spectators stand and salute and pure emotion creeps into every throat. Our two school bands are always popular, and nostalgia runs rampant as many spectators remember their own marching days gone by.

Our phenomenal fireworks display closes out the day and just like that it’s July 5^th. The carnival is gone, the special traffic direction signs are gone, the blankets and tarps have disappeared from the Madison Avenue terraces and those white directional arrows painted on the roads to guide the runners begin to fade. Miltonites return to their normal jobs, routines, and processes.

But something does remain – the spirit of community, camaraderie, working together, pride of place – all these gain oxygen and become stronger.

On July 6, I experienced an additional shot of reflection and contemplation. Like many others, I am in rotation to deliver Meals on Wheels. My turn comes up something like every six weeks, so it is certainly not onerous. What a great program. People who have challenges that prevent them from getting out have a nutritious meal delivered to their door. Not only does this provide essential dietary needs but also a point of social connection – a check in - that is likely just as important as the food. It is heartening for me to realize that Meals on Wheels or similar variations take place across the United States. Talk about community and connection!

As I was delivering meals on the 6^th, I drove by the Middle School and noticed a new wording on their front lawn sign. I went by too quickly to read it carefully so, when my deliveries were complete, I drove down there to take a close look. What I saw is in the second picture. I had to stop and catch my breath. What a phenomenal sentiment and salute to our students – “our kids.”  It made me think of these words which are credited to Charles Schwab. “I’ve yet to find the man, however exalted in his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under the spirit of criticism.” Great sentiment for anyone in a supervisory or leadership role. In my work with our great school system, I consistently see our teachers, administrators, and staff members implementing this philosophy in their daily activities. Thank you, Tara & Ben, for your leadership at our Middle School and for providing our community with this great salute to our kids.

Because Milton is and does feel like home to me, I pledge to use this July 4^th “shot in the arm” to continue to find new ways to be together in community, to bridge differences with integrity, to relate with love and respect and thereby continue to help Milton on its journey to being even better than it already is. I invite you to join me.

#cruzan4milton#WEAREMILTON