My Nerdy Side: Music

Although education and coaching dominated much of my professional life, the persistent backdrop of my journey has been in the arts: music, theater, literature, and poetry. Much of my writing has focused on life’s transitions from childhood to adulthood to old age without appropriating justice to the arts’ roles in those transitions. Without apology, it’s time … Continue reading My Nerdy Side: Music →

“My Greatest Work Hasn’t Happened Yet”

Ken Kennedy I asked my brother, Kenny, to trace some of his work history while growing up in Braidwood. He responded with this story, a story that I hadn’t completely known about. He still conducts his business along Route 53 in Braidwood, adjacent to the Polka Dot restaurant. Along with the opinion of many others, I … Continue reading “My Greatest Work Hasn’t Happened Yet” →

Elena’s View of Braidwood

Elena Bergman Hibler I attended the East School and Murray Scott was the principal. I also had Josephine Donna (wonderful teacher) in the 5th and 6th grades. In 3rd and 4th grades I had Kate Fallon. She was remembered as wearing long dresses all the way to the floor. We moved to Braidwood from South … Continue reading Elena’s View of Braidwood →

Braidwood from Another Perspective

Richard Shaw Richard had read some of my blog articles on Braidwoodguy.com and informed me that as a couple of years my senior, he could add some insights and respectfully offer some differences as he saw things. I completely accept these opinions, perspectives, and insights. Aside from formatting the following letter, I didn’t make any … Continue reading Braidwood from Another Perspective →

My Braidwood Memories

Dee King DeGroh I recently asked Dee (King) deGroh about her strong affiliation with Braidwood. Dee’s grandfather, MJ Donna, documented significant historical facts about our town, in “The Braidwood Story.” She cherishes the time she has spent in Braidwood where she actually lived from 2005 to 2016. But then Dee returned to Naperville to be … Continue reading My Braidwood Memories →

A Literary Quilt: Stories from the Co-Authors of “I’m from Braidwood”

Perhaps the greatest joy in writing and publishing my books has been the inclusion of co-authors. All five of my kids included their stories of growing up in Wilmington. (“603 South Kankakee”) I then asked my 14 grandchildren to write a story, about anything, that would be included in the next book. (“Just the Facts, Grandpa: Geezer … Continue reading A Literary Quilt: Stories from the Co-Authors of “I’m from Braidwood” →

There is No Racism

Let’s tell the truth. We (I) have been using the term “racism” incorrectly all along. By using this term, we are deluding ourselves by assuming that there black, brown, yellow, and white races when, in fact, there is but one human race. There are no variations, or subcategories. By constructing subcategories, we mistakenly identify each … Continue reading There is No Racism →

A Truly Unique Braidwood Guy

“Braidwood was the foundation for my life.” Phil Weidner There have been a few famous Braidwood people that I have written about in blog posts, “Braidwood Beginnings: Growing up in a Coal Town.” (https://braidwoodguy.com) Anton Cermac, former mayor of Chicago killed by an assassin’s bullet while standing next to Franklin Roosevelt, was born in Braidwood. Labor leader John Mitchell, who … Continue reading A Truly Unique Braidwood Guy →

Nicknames vs “Knocknames”

Nickname: an additional or substitute name given to a person, place, or thing usually descriptive and given in fun, affection, or derision, as “Doc,” “Shorty,” etc. a familiar, often shorter, form of a proper name, as “ Dick” for “ Richard” (Merriam Dictionary) Knockname: a substitute name meant to demean, dehumanize, or otherwise degrade another human being and perpetrated by a bully. (TRK) Dear Grandkids: If … Continue reading Nicknames vs “Knocknames” →

Dear Grandkids: Money Rules

“I love money. I love everything about it. I bought some pretty good stuff. Got me a $300 pair of socks. Got a fur sink. An electric dog polisher. A gasoline powered turtleneck sweater. And, of course, I bought some dumb stuff, too.” --Steve Martin Dear Kids: My letters to you and previous conversations with you … Continue reading Dear Grandkids: Money Rules →