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!
