I was impressed with the many interesting vignettes In the most recent Time magazine. I suggest you invest a few minutes in their 240 reasons to celebrate America right now. I am going to mention three items and expand a bit on why one in particular caught my attention.
Originally named Bronson after Titus Bronson, the name of the city and township were changed to Kalamazoo in 1836. A bit of research allows me to report that the name is attributed to a Potawatomi tribal word. The French-Canadian traders were very familiar with the river known as La Rivière Kikanamaso. It was thought the name meant “boiling water” as the Native Americans held a foot race each fall where the participants had to run some distance to the river and return before the pot boiled. Or it could be the “mirage of the reflecting River” or the boiling may be a reference to the fog seen from the hills above the current downtown. I like all of them – history is always enlightening.
Idaho struggles to reach our goal of 60% of our students going on to post-secondary education. There are many obstacles to overcome to reach that important milestone. Certainly one of them is the cost of going on – especially to a four year college. Kalamazoo has made a promise to its high school graduates. Since 2006, more than 5000 students have been eligible for the Kalamazoo Promise, an $80 million investment from a group of anonymous local donors. The gift allows every city student to attend an in state college tuition-free. It is catching on. Today more than 50 communities have some form of place based tuition free scholarship program. In Kalamazoo, college enrollment is up 9% and those earning a degree went from 36% to 48%. Although it is slower than hoped for progress, there is evidence that the positive impact on the local economy from a better trained work force is happening. It is worth considering how we get students prepared for college first and then assuring access. I encourage you to look into what the Idaho Business for Education and The Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy are doing to lead the way on education reform and funding formula changes needed for Idaho.
The picture this week is thanks to Nancy Haga – she joined us in McCall for the 4th of July celebration. Nancy is Holt’s mother and an accomplished Native American flute player, she also plays the drums as well as various unique rhythm instruments like goat toenails, gourds, and of course-kazoos. I hate the idea of a drum circle and only reluctantly joined. I am quoted as saying “I hate this but I am having a great time.” I did have fun as most of the inhibitions that are well justified by my skill set were forgotten. I should have been more positive – dance like no one is looking is great advice.
Item number 223 in the Time report outlined a new exclusive Harris Poll survey shared with the magazine. People in our country fret over money, health, and work frustrations. In spite of those issues an “overwhelming majority” – nearly three-quarters of the U. S. – remains optimistic, virtually the same level as the first survey in 2008. If you watch David Feherty you will appreciate his optimism and no doubt his sense of humor. The former professional golfer is renowned for his insightful interview skills while keeping it very entertaining. He was on CNBC last week and when asked about the Presidential race I paraphrase, ‘I am Irish by birth but I am now am American-I love this country and I am very confident that we will overcome the issues associated with either of the candidates.’ I share his optimism.
I mentioned a third issue but enough for this week. Check in next week for insight into a State whose Government works. Is that really possible?
David Feherty on dancing: “I don’t dance. The Irish don’t dance, we hold each other up.” On watching Tiger Woods hit a great shot: “never has my flabber been so gasted.” Finally, commenting on a beautiful day: “the only way to ruin a perfect day like this would be to play golf in it.” All that said, every golfer is an eternal optimist–and so are most of us Americans–the future is bright.
Race you to the lake and back! Mike
