Maroons Online Vol. 1… No. 84
Acta non verba
Observer: Future Of Aging
Macky’s New York: The Monkey In The Flower Shop
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame 2020 Inductees Dinner: October 30, 2021
M + A NYC: Block Print Breton Stripes 24" Square Pillow
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Alternative Schedules Task Force (ASTF): Next Steps
Observer
Future Of Aging
I have a secret. These columns of observations originate whimsically. I see a phrase and save it, then when the inspiration strikes I fill in words to follow. I don’t know if this is how Russell Baker of The New York Times or James Ahearn of The Bergen Record composed their columns during their journalistic heydays. I’d like to think I’ve discovered their secret. Unfortunately, it’s too late to ask, they both passed away within months of each other in 2019. I miss reading them, for their insights and characteristic wit.
Surely if I researched their columns one could be found on the subject of aging. I admire the fact that both men kept writing and working till late in their lives. The future of aging for all of us is one where we reinvent ourselves then taper off slowly. We might be in the same profession for our entire work careers, but as we age we will contribute in different capacities and with different responsibilities.
Aging, I’ve come to realize, contains moments of enlightenment you experience, often when you least expect them. Something akin to my writing style.
One other observation I can report is that your future will be full of promise if you can shift your primary aspiration from leisure to cultivating purpose and connection. No matter the age you begin.
Modern Elder Chip Conley believes the answer to the future of aging lies in “building vibrant communities centered around a campus for midlife wisdom retreats and sabbaticals.” He uses a working farm as his modern living metaphor. I think he is on the right course. All the time I’ve spent in gardens and farms has always left me feeling better and more in touch with the wonders of life.
Enjoy your time on the golf course during your retirement, but see if you can develop the knack for seeing how we all are connected together in this thing called “Life.”
Macky’s New York
Matthew Cortellesi Photography
October 26, 2021 - Greenwich Village
The Monkey In The Flower Shop
See if you can find him.
Shot on 7th avenue just south of Christopher street looking through a rain soaked plastic cover at a bodega.
Time 950am.
#mackysnewyork
William Peay
Tales From The Wood…
Christ Church
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame 2020 Inductees Dinner
October 30, 2021
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame Nomination Form
Visit The RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame
M + A NYC
Block Print Breton Stripes 24" Square Pillow
Channeling Picasso on this one, though not his work per se. Rather, riffing on the striped shirts he favored from Breton.
Printed by hand by Master block printers in Jaipur, India. We love the quality of the cotton canvas that it is printed on -- it’s fine and dense at the same time, with a dry hand. We pre-wash and dry it to give it an interesting texture and simultaneously reduce the amount of shrinkage on the customer’s end. All are slightly different due to the nature of the handwork, and precisely what we love about them.
Another thing that we love is that the art continues on the back. Pillows aren’t 2D, so whenever possible we have made the back as compelling as the front so you get an interesting view from every angle.
Details:
Designed in New York by M+A NYC
100% Cotton Canvas
24” x 24”
Prewashed to bring out the beautiful texture of the weave
Hidden coconut shell button closure on back, with cotton pom pom detail
Down alternative pillow insert made with 100% polyester fibers
Made in India
Care:
Machine wash with cold water separately, on the gentle cycle. Only use non-chlorine bleach when needed. Tumble dry low. Warm iron as needed. Mild shrinkage after wash.
James Stroker
Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman
Rock Hound
Lots of little snow squalls came through over the last couple days up here near Ironwood, MI, and the clouds made for some interesting lighting. Drove by this little shed right after a squall had passed, and had to turn around and go back and take a picture of it. I like the ladder leaning against the door.
Alternative Schedules Task Force (ASTF):
Next Steps
Editor’s Note:
ASTF has been described by its authors as an exploration of the district’s instructional time. You can read it below.
It ought to have been called the “Alternate Sleep Schedule Task Force” to make it clearer as to what prompted the creation of the task force.
Fortunately for us all, my friend and RHS 1977 classmate, Dr. Anne Robinson gave me this quote to help everyone better understand:
"Any discussion of later school start time must start with "Why?"...and our "Why?" must always be the students. Establishing a later school start time for adolescent students is an evidence-based change with proven positive outcomes in terms of student health, well-being, safety, athletic performance, and academic achievement."
The task force offered the following as their rational for being and their timeline:
Why consider alternative schedules?
Ridgewood Public Schools is exploring our district’s organization of instructional time with the goal of advancing our vision and mission for all RPS students. Paramount to our success is determining how to maximize our time with students, while considering the lessons learned as we faced multiple changes over the past year and a half, along with the priorities and goals outlined in the RPS Strategic Plan. Given shifts in assessment and pedagogy, the Alternative Schedules Task Force (ASTF) will review best practices and data related to later start times for adolescents and research options pertaining to schedules and school operations. Areas of focus will include, but are not limited to, school day start/end times, period lengths, curricular enhancements, and social-emotional wellness. Broad stakeholder input will be gathered through the formation of committees, community presentations, and solicitation of feedback through surveys. At the end of this endeavor, the District will present K-12 schedules that best meet the needs of students and teachers, address curricular needs, and prepare our learners for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
The Subcommittees will continue to meet on a regular basis to work on identified priorities and explore schedule options. Below is a tentative schedule for upcoming outreach to the larger community.
November 8: Present information at each faculty meeting; collect staff feedback; and make adjustments as necessary
December 1: Present an update on the Alternative Schedules Inititiative to the entire community. This public event will be held in the Benjamin Franklin Middle School auditorium. It will also be livestreamed and recorded for posting on this webpage.
December - January: Administer staff, parent, and student surveys. The exact dates of the surveys are yet to be determined, but it is likely that they will open before December Recess and close after December Recess.
January: Analyze survey data to inform future action.
Peace