A power struggle in the
beginning of an organizing effort is interesting to watch. It is a bit like
cleaning beans. First you pick out the clods, discard those and then wash,
wash, wash until you have something ready to go in the pot. Some folks have
the advantage of experience and are able to place themselves in a position
to reap whatever rewards to come along. Others are less well grounded, have
some background due to education and are willing to fight for a place in
order to be able to make decisions. There are those, too, who have the
advantage of a higher power pulling strings for them so that they are put
into leadership positions no matter how lacking in these skills they might
be. The clods are pushed out in favor of these. I should be contrite for
enjoying the drama of it all, but I'm not.
This is where we are in
the Chilocco situation. Slowly but slowly it is moving along, so no
complaints from me.
April 23, 2005 is the
day chosen to open the school for two purposes. The first is an organized
effort by the Historical Preservation group to do the necessary
documentation of the conditions of the buildings.
The second purpose is a
gathering of Chilocco alumni to come together on the grounds. This will be a
time to become reacquainted. A small effort will be made to do some clean up
of the Student Union building so you need to bring brooms, mops, dustpans,
garbage bags, weed eaters (if you have gasoline propelled), and some rags.
If you wish to bring an R.V. vehicle this will be okay, too. However, there
is no electricity so you won't have any hook-ups.
The very giant patio
outside the Student Union building is where we will set up our tables to
display the history of your own life. Whatever you wish to bring to show is
fine, pictures of family, memorability and crafts you wish to sell are also
welcome. We are a people who work so let's share these things on this day.
Bring your camera and let's try to get a lasting record of our classmates
and what they have done with their lives. NO flea market.
SOME vacant buildings
are VERY dangerous, DO NOT ENTER. Haworth Hall, Leupp Hall are very
dangerous, spongy floors, etc. |