It's time again to take a jump on this once-every-4-years Leap Day.
It's kind of interesting to say that we have an extra day in 2020.
And it's an occasion that makes me think about where I was 4 years ago the last time we had a Leap Day.
I remember 4 years ago I was in my final semester of graduate school. I had an evening class on February 29, 2016, in fact, with Karen Snow, learning about cataloging in-depth.
Now, I'm in a position using my MLIS degree in doing library work, in which I help people access what they're seeking, as I attain to living out my life's vocation. Part of this has led to my ownership of my own vehicle, which I use regularly to commute to work. I've also used it to take trips all through the central United States.
I do the same in teaching Religious Education, as I help guide the youths in my charge to encounter God and grow in a relationship with Him.
With each year and its group of students, I marvel at the new wonders God is working in my midst. Like it was four years ago, this Leap Day 2020 falls during the Season of Lent, close to the beginning, whereas in 2016, we were almost halfway through.
Certainly, as I reflect upon the past four years, I think about all the changes that have occurred in that time.
There have been new additions to the family. And among major milestones marked was the Bicentennial of Illinois, my celebration of which gave me the chance to experience new parts of Illinois. There have also been changes in leadership, particularly with the Governorship of Illinois. President Trump has completed more than 3/4 of his term as president, and 4 years ago, he was in the midst of a crowded field of candidates seeking the Republican nomination for US President.
Notably, we are not only in the midst of a presidential election campaign season on this Leap Day 2020, but we're also in the process of the once-every-decade US Census. The last time a US Census was held in a Leap Year was 20 years ago.
And, oh, how the country continues to grow and change in notable ways, even as I've gotten to see more of it. I've also traveled internationally in the past 4 years, which meant I got my first-ever US passport so I can make way to new worlds on the globe.
Indeed, for all of us throughout the world using the solar calendar, we have an extra day this year to continue seeking out opportunities for good works, as we marvel at what is happening around us.
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Annual Speeches Roundup on the State of Affairs
It's that time of year for officials to report on the state of affairs for what they oversee.
In keeping with the custom, President Trump delivered his 2020 Annual State of the Union speech on the evening of Tuesday, February 4. It was clear from the very start and throughout his speech that he wanted to tout the great shape of affairs in the United States, particularly in demonstrating that the economy in the United States is booming.
He also touted significant achievements like the Space Force, and the girl who got a scholarship to attend a school of her choice.
He also talked about ways to continue upholding a good quality of life for the people of the United States, like providing for parents raising children, and also healthcare. It was kind of odd that when he mentioned legislation to prevent immigrants without proper status from getting healthcare that he talked about the wall. That probably could have fit better into the speech elsewhere.
As for immigration and securing the borders, his aims are good in wanting to enforce our immigration policy to not get overwhelmed by people trying to get in through means other than the proper legal channels. He would do better to talk about how to fix the immigration system so people who don't want to cause trouble can get in easier, and not just talk about keeping illegal aliens out, especially criminals.
One of the outstanding moments of the speech was when he told the story about Ellie Schneider was born at only 21 weeks, and now is a healthy 2-year-old who was there at the speech with her mother Robin--what a moment for them. If we can care for premature babies, we should work to care for all babies, including those who survive abortions. It's time that we recommit ourselves to upholding the sanctity of life, especially for the smallest and most vulnerable among us. His remarks certainly corroborated his commitment to upholding the sanctity of life just as much as when he spoke recently at the March for Life rally last month.
His commitment to those who serve in our armed forces is clear, and it was truly a touching moment when Amy William was surprised with her husband Sergeant Williams, who was back from his deployment in Afghanistan.
It was from then until the speech's end that he struck an optimistic tone about what we as a people are capable of accomplishing to be a great nation, which we already are to an extent.
And then came Speaker Nancy Pelosi's act of tearing up her copy of the speech. I definitely thought that was inappropriate, especially with the cameras on her. Certainly, she could express her disagreement in a thoughtful, constructive way. But her act of ripping it was an unprofessional way to display her disagreement, especially considering there had to have been at least a couple of parts of the speech she could agree with that would make it worth keeping the speech intact.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered the Democratic response, which caught my attention since I had visited Lansing last summer, the seat of Michigan's state government. She added a personal touch to the setting by speaking from East Lansing High School, which her daughter attends, and even mentioned that she will soon be casting her vote for the first time.
Governor Whitmer stated right away she would focus on actions being taken, not just words being spoken. There's much validity to demonstrating what's being done, rather than what's being said. She highlighted a teenager near Muskegon who took it upon himself to fix a road with pothole problems.
She makes a valid point that despite claims the economy is booming, there are still people who lack the resources they need to live a good life. I am concerned about how she kept talking about what specifically Democratic leaders are doing, which came across to me as a way to exacerbate partisanship by making it seem Democrats are acting in better ways than Republicans. She could have made the point without constantly emphasizing what Democrats are doing.
Just about a week before the State of the Union Address, Governor JB Pritzker offered the 2020 Illinois State of the State Address. He offered an interesting story about the flags at the Thompson Center in Chicago, and how it speaks to the possibilities of what can happen when government takes meaningful action, and the strong effect it can have.
He talked about growth in the Illinois economy. He shared success stories, and from there, advocated for increased funding for social services, education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements, with action already taken on some of these matters. He also mentioned actions like ending the practice of suspending driver's licenses for unpaid parking tickets and raising the age to purchase cigarettes and vaping products to 21. One major part of the speech was ethics reform, although, like others, I couldn't help but notice the lack of any mention of a fair maps amendment, which is a significantly timely issue as the Census happens this year.
He ended the speech with a nice remark about not being bogged down in cynicism. Then he shared the story about a couple in Barrington whose rainbow pride flag was stolen. Eventually, that led to his decision to have the rainbow pride flag flown from the Illinois State Capitol. While we certainly should respect individuals and the symbols they use to express themselves, I don't agree that the rainbow pride flag should have flown at the state capitol, because I feel its too geared for a particular social cause, and doesn't really speak for all people in the same way the US or Illinois flag does.
Then, 3 weeks later, came Governor Pritzker's Budget Address. A major focus was on boosting funds to social services. He also advocated for more funds for MAP grants, and highlighted several success stories of individuals who used that grant money to further their education. Some indicated that funding social services is a big expense, but it may be worth it if done in a smart way, so as to benefit the people of Illinois who could use that money. I wasn't impressed by how Governor Pritzker once again brought up the legalization of recreational marijuana use as a boon for the state, because I feel it will have negative ramifications. One other part of the speech I disagreed with was his constant criticism of those who caused the budget impasse for nearly two years. It's clear that he was indicating Governor Rauner, and I don't feel like it was all his fault, because the General Assembly didn't do a great job crafting a responsible budget in the first place back in 2015.
With the speeches now in the records of these joint sessions, it's time for the real work to happen. We'll see what this year brings.
In keeping with the custom, President Trump delivered his 2020 Annual State of the Union speech on the evening of Tuesday, February 4. It was clear from the very start and throughout his speech that he wanted to tout the great shape of affairs in the United States, particularly in demonstrating that the economy in the United States is booming.
He also touted significant achievements like the Space Force, and the girl who got a scholarship to attend a school of her choice.
He also talked about ways to continue upholding a good quality of life for the people of the United States, like providing for parents raising children, and also healthcare. It was kind of odd that when he mentioned legislation to prevent immigrants without proper status from getting healthcare that he talked about the wall. That probably could have fit better into the speech elsewhere.
As for immigration and securing the borders, his aims are good in wanting to enforce our immigration policy to not get overwhelmed by people trying to get in through means other than the proper legal channels. He would do better to talk about how to fix the immigration system so people who don't want to cause trouble can get in easier, and not just talk about keeping illegal aliens out, especially criminals.
One of the outstanding moments of the speech was when he told the story about Ellie Schneider was born at only 21 weeks, and now is a healthy 2-year-old who was there at the speech with her mother Robin--what a moment for them. If we can care for premature babies, we should work to care for all babies, including those who survive abortions. It's time that we recommit ourselves to upholding the sanctity of life, especially for the smallest and most vulnerable among us. His remarks certainly corroborated his commitment to upholding the sanctity of life just as much as when he spoke recently at the March for Life rally last month.
His commitment to those who serve in our armed forces is clear, and it was truly a touching moment when Amy William was surprised with her husband Sergeant Williams, who was back from his deployment in Afghanistan.
It was from then until the speech's end that he struck an optimistic tone about what we as a people are capable of accomplishing to be a great nation, which we already are to an extent.
And then came Speaker Nancy Pelosi's act of tearing up her copy of the speech. I definitely thought that was inappropriate, especially with the cameras on her. Certainly, she could express her disagreement in a thoughtful, constructive way. But her act of ripping it was an unprofessional way to display her disagreement, especially considering there had to have been at least a couple of parts of the speech she could agree with that would make it worth keeping the speech intact.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered the Democratic response, which caught my attention since I had visited Lansing last summer, the seat of Michigan's state government. She added a personal touch to the setting by speaking from East Lansing High School, which her daughter attends, and even mentioned that she will soon be casting her vote for the first time.
Governor Whitmer stated right away she would focus on actions being taken, not just words being spoken. There's much validity to demonstrating what's being done, rather than what's being said. She highlighted a teenager near Muskegon who took it upon himself to fix a road with pothole problems.
She makes a valid point that despite claims the economy is booming, there are still people who lack the resources they need to live a good life. I am concerned about how she kept talking about what specifically Democratic leaders are doing, which came across to me as a way to exacerbate partisanship by making it seem Democrats are acting in better ways than Republicans. She could have made the point without constantly emphasizing what Democrats are doing.
Just about a week before the State of the Union Address, Governor JB Pritzker offered the 2020 Illinois State of the State Address. He offered an interesting story about the flags at the Thompson Center in Chicago, and how it speaks to the possibilities of what can happen when government takes meaningful action, and the strong effect it can have.
He talked about growth in the Illinois economy. He shared success stories, and from there, advocated for increased funding for social services, education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements, with action already taken on some of these matters. He also mentioned actions like ending the practice of suspending driver's licenses for unpaid parking tickets and raising the age to purchase cigarettes and vaping products to 21. One major part of the speech was ethics reform, although, like others, I couldn't help but notice the lack of any mention of a fair maps amendment, which is a significantly timely issue as the Census happens this year.
He ended the speech with a nice remark about not being bogged down in cynicism. Then he shared the story about a couple in Barrington whose rainbow pride flag was stolen. Eventually, that led to his decision to have the rainbow pride flag flown from the Illinois State Capitol. While we certainly should respect individuals and the symbols they use to express themselves, I don't agree that the rainbow pride flag should have flown at the state capitol, because I feel its too geared for a particular social cause, and doesn't really speak for all people in the same way the US or Illinois flag does.
Then, 3 weeks later, came Governor Pritzker's Budget Address. A major focus was on boosting funds to social services. He also advocated for more funds for MAP grants, and highlighted several success stories of individuals who used that grant money to further their education. Some indicated that funding social services is a big expense, but it may be worth it if done in a smart way, so as to benefit the people of Illinois who could use that money. I wasn't impressed by how Governor Pritzker once again brought up the legalization of recreational marijuana use as a boon for the state, because I feel it will have negative ramifications. One other part of the speech I disagreed with was his constant criticism of those who caused the budget impasse for nearly two years. It's clear that he was indicating Governor Rauner, and I don't feel like it was all his fault, because the General Assembly didn't do a great job crafting a responsible budget in the first place back in 2015.
With the speeches now in the records of these joint sessions, it's time for the real work to happen. We'll see what this year brings.
Friday, February 21, 2020
A Fair Share of Groceries and Memories
About a week ago, I saw a headline from The Wednesday Journal about the closing of Fair Share Finer Foods, a grocery store in southern Oak Park.
I was saddened to hear this news, as I recalled so many wonderful memories of shopping there.
My Mom's family shopped at that store when it was called National, before it became Fair Share in the 1970s.
It seemed fitting that since my parents settled on a house in southern Oak Park that we would end up shopping there in keeping with a kind of family tradition.
When I was growing up, my Mom would typically do her grocery shopping at Fair Share on Mondays, to get stocked up for the week ahead.
Whenever I was off school on Monday, I eagerly joined her. There was something so delightful about going grocery shopping. Maybe it was something about the idea of being surrounded by food, and being able to pick it off the shelf and have it bought. Maybe it was something about helping out my Mom in a way that seemed straightforward. Maybe it was something about spending time with Mom. Whatever it was, I looked forward to heading over to Fair Share.
After parking in the lot, Mom would grab a cart, and then she'd go through her list. She'd ask me to get certain items while she shopped for others. I became particularly helpful in retrieving items while Mom waited at the deli for our latest batch of deli meats, which would often be the substance of my lunches for the first part of the week. As I walked the aisles, I enjoyed following the beat of the mall-style music that was playing, or festive Christmas-style music during December. Sometimes, I would end at Fair Share to help Mom shop on the Eve of the Lord's Nativity.
One thing I got really good at was when Mom told me to get about a pound of ground beef, and I learned that meant to get about a pound of ground sirloin. Usually that was the basis for cooking hamburgers at some point during the week.
I also enjoyed the warmth of the El Milagro corn tortilla packages, which surely had been freshly delivered.
For many years, Fair Share had a store brand called Country's Delight, which became Centrella, probably sometime when I was a teenager.
From time to time, I enjoyed picking out a special treat, like a store-brand fruit punch soda to celebrate the end of another school year.
One year, Fair Share offered a deal of a free turkey if a customer presented receipts totaling $400 in purchases over a specified amount of time. Mom and Aunt June put their receipts together and we were able to get a free turkey for our family's Thanskgiving Dinner. I'm pretty certain it was a Norbest brand turkey. My Great Aunt June shopped there, and from time to time, when Mom and I were there, we'd see Aunt June shopping.
And then there was the staff at the check-out lanes. Fanina, Rosa, and Peggy are the ladies in particular I fondly think of at the check-out lanes, who have been there for a while, and we would readily recognize each other when I went to check-out.
As a small aside, once Mom and I loaded up the groceries, we would pull out onto Highland Avenue to head home, and I would point a house that had a front staircase with a very distinct purple color.
Fair Share is certainly an established institution in southern Oak Park. I heard other students talk about the offerings at Fair Share when I was at Irving.
There were the usual grocery items there, along with European and Mexican specialties.
And for many years after September 11, 2001, a US flag was hung near the entrance, with a sign there stating it was hung there in honor of those who died serving the US.
Yes, the news of Fair Share's closing brought back memories and summoned forth wistful feelings. I realize that I haven't shopped at Fair Share as often in the years since I graduated from ValpU because of shifting life circumstances, and that makes me part of the shifting marketing forces that led its owners to close the store. I'm sad to think that I could have done more to support a wonderful local business. It's a story oft repeated in Oak Park with other local businesses facing challenging circumstances in the business environment here, and I realize I could do more to keep supporting those businesses I enjoy that still persist.
Yet in the midst of the news about Fair Share, I'm comforted in knowing that there were times I took advantage of its close location, reasonable prices, and good offerings to head over there and get myself a handful of groceries, especially those times when on my own for dinner.
In fact, last month, I was with my parents after we went out for dinner together. As we drove along Roosevelt Road, and passed Fair Share, I decided to impulsively stop there to get some items I had been unable to find at another store. One of those items was Angel Food Cake that I served to my students just over a week later. When I mentioned it was from Fair Share, I saw a couple of the students react with acknowledgment.
When I encountered the news report, I made it my business to head over to Fair Share at the first opportunity I had to get some groceries for old time's sake, right after work on Saturday, February 15. I bought a few items that seemed interesting, like frozen Goya-brand plantain products--and all frozen products, excluding ice cream, were 15% off without refunds or rain checks. I also got some practical items like cereal, and do I ever have memories of gazing over an aisle full of various cereals, including variations on the basics like Cheerios, including Fruity and Chocolate Cheerios. I also got some turkey lunchmeat from the deli so I could make sandwiches just like in old times. And I felt the warmth of a package of El Milagro corn tortillas.
I was back there the next day, Sunday, and among some other items I bought were some packages of fruit-flavored teas. I'll always remember how Fair Share had a great selection of fruit-flavored tea packages. I was glad that while there I was able to reconnect with Fanina and Peggy, as well as to thank them for their service.
Fair Share closes on February 23, and I will be sure to smile as I give thanks for the memories I have of Fair Share. Perhaps I'll reinvoke them whenever I'm on the Southwest Side of Chicago and shop at the other Fair Share that will remain open.
While Fair Share is a business that we spend money at because it has products we use, it has ultimately been more than a business because of the human element which has given it so much meaning, especially for me as I grew up.
Thanks to all the wonderful staff of Fair Share for giving me a Fair Share of memories in grocery shopping at your store.
I was saddened to hear this news, as I recalled so many wonderful memories of shopping there.
My Mom's family shopped at that store when it was called National, before it became Fair Share in the 1970s.
It seemed fitting that since my parents settled on a house in southern Oak Park that we would end up shopping there in keeping with a kind of family tradition.
When I was growing up, my Mom would typically do her grocery shopping at Fair Share on Mondays, to get stocked up for the week ahead.
Whenever I was off school on Monday, I eagerly joined her. There was something so delightful about going grocery shopping. Maybe it was something about the idea of being surrounded by food, and being able to pick it off the shelf and have it bought. Maybe it was something about helping out my Mom in a way that seemed straightforward. Maybe it was something about spending time with Mom. Whatever it was, I looked forward to heading over to Fair Share.
After parking in the lot, Mom would grab a cart, and then she'd go through her list. She'd ask me to get certain items while she shopped for others. I became particularly helpful in retrieving items while Mom waited at the deli for our latest batch of deli meats, which would often be the substance of my lunches for the first part of the week. As I walked the aisles, I enjoyed following the beat of the mall-style music that was playing, or festive Christmas-style music during December. Sometimes, I would end at Fair Share to help Mom shop on the Eve of the Lord's Nativity.
One thing I got really good at was when Mom told me to get about a pound of ground beef, and I learned that meant to get about a pound of ground sirloin. Usually that was the basis for cooking hamburgers at some point during the week.
I also enjoyed the warmth of the El Milagro corn tortilla packages, which surely had been freshly delivered.
For many years, Fair Share had a store brand called Country's Delight, which became Centrella, probably sometime when I was a teenager.
From time to time, I enjoyed picking out a special treat, like a store-brand fruit punch soda to celebrate the end of another school year.
One year, Fair Share offered a deal of a free turkey if a customer presented receipts totaling $400 in purchases over a specified amount of time. Mom and Aunt June put their receipts together and we were able to get a free turkey for our family's Thanskgiving Dinner. I'm pretty certain it was a Norbest brand turkey. My Great Aunt June shopped there, and from time to time, when Mom and I were there, we'd see Aunt June shopping.
And then there was the staff at the check-out lanes. Fanina, Rosa, and Peggy are the ladies in particular I fondly think of at the check-out lanes, who have been there for a while, and we would readily recognize each other when I went to check-out.
As a small aside, once Mom and I loaded up the groceries, we would pull out onto Highland Avenue to head home, and I would point a house that had a front staircase with a very distinct purple color.
Fair Share is certainly an established institution in southern Oak Park. I heard other students talk about the offerings at Fair Share when I was at Irving.
There were the usual grocery items there, along with European and Mexican specialties.
And for many years after September 11, 2001, a US flag was hung near the entrance, with a sign there stating it was hung there in honor of those who died serving the US.
Yes, the news of Fair Share's closing brought back memories and summoned forth wistful feelings. I realize that I haven't shopped at Fair Share as often in the years since I graduated from ValpU because of shifting life circumstances, and that makes me part of the shifting marketing forces that led its owners to close the store. I'm sad to think that I could have done more to support a wonderful local business. It's a story oft repeated in Oak Park with other local businesses facing challenging circumstances in the business environment here, and I realize I could do more to keep supporting those businesses I enjoy that still persist.
Yet in the midst of the news about Fair Share, I'm comforted in knowing that there were times I took advantage of its close location, reasonable prices, and good offerings to head over there and get myself a handful of groceries, especially those times when on my own for dinner.
In fact, last month, I was with my parents after we went out for dinner together. As we drove along Roosevelt Road, and passed Fair Share, I decided to impulsively stop there to get some items I had been unable to find at another store. One of those items was Angel Food Cake that I served to my students just over a week later. When I mentioned it was from Fair Share, I saw a couple of the students react with acknowledgment.
When I encountered the news report, I made it my business to head over to Fair Share at the first opportunity I had to get some groceries for old time's sake, right after work on Saturday, February 15. I bought a few items that seemed interesting, like frozen Goya-brand plantain products--and all frozen products, excluding ice cream, were 15% off without refunds or rain checks. I also got some practical items like cereal, and do I ever have memories of gazing over an aisle full of various cereals, including variations on the basics like Cheerios, including Fruity and Chocolate Cheerios. I also got some turkey lunchmeat from the deli so I could make sandwiches just like in old times. And I felt the warmth of a package of El Milagro corn tortillas.
I was back there the next day, Sunday, and among some other items I bought were some packages of fruit-flavored teas. I'll always remember how Fair Share had a great selection of fruit-flavored tea packages. I was glad that while there I was able to reconnect with Fanina and Peggy, as well as to thank them for their service.
Fair Share closes on February 23, and I will be sure to smile as I give thanks for the memories I have of Fair Share. Perhaps I'll reinvoke them whenever I'm on the Southwest Side of Chicago and shop at the other Fair Share that will remain open.
While Fair Share is a business that we spend money at because it has products we use, it has ultimately been more than a business because of the human element which has given it so much meaning, especially for me as I grew up.
Thanks to all the wonderful staff of Fair Share for giving me a Fair Share of memories in grocery shopping at your store.
 |
| The entrance to Fair Share |
 |
| A friendly figure near the entrance |
 |
| The produce section |
 |
| The delicatessan |
 |
| I feel like this cow may have been part of the Parade of Cows in Chicago many years ago. |
 |
| A sign thanking customers as they exit |
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| The first thing I would encounter in the store after passing the check-out lanes was this section with bread. |
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