The Ponds Activities & guests Stories That Inspire Us
From Brent K. Oglesby's Facebook Account
“It’s the little things” It’s those little things, those little moments in life that grab me and make me reflect. Yesterday I volunteered my fishing skills (as well as teaching and coaching skills now that I think about it) at the Cops n Kids fishing event. An event that I believe Chief Howell’s kids mentioned has been going on for like 26 years. Fast forward a bit, after rigging up fishing poles and untangling even more. Excited kids. Someone finally caught that huge catfish at ”The Ponds”. I was on my final lap around the pond. Fishing pole in hand. I wrapped up by a kid that was fishing by himself. Reminded me of the solitary Brent, sometimes self imposed sometimes because I didn’t fit in. Anyways. It was his first time fishing. Lines wrapped around his pole. Asked me, how I catch so many fish. I chipped it up with him for about 20 minutes. Helping him with his pole. Keeping an eye on him while he struggled with the kayak. I thought I was going to have to dive in and get him a few times. Even with his life jacket. “I’m gone, little homie. It was good meeting you. Let’s go grab some food from the officers.”Run ran ahead. I fished a bit longer. As I was leaving he ran up to me. He handed me a granola bar or whatever it was. “Thank you for showing me how to fish and helping me with the kayak.” His thankfulness caught me off guard. In a positive way. He didn’t have much but he shared. He shared what he got, as a thank you. It’s those little things like that which really show me the beauty in life. It thaws the cold outlook I can have. It shaved down the jaded edges I’ve kept from losing my brothers, lost friendships, failed businesses, etc…That’s why I miss teaching, that’s why I miss the classroom. Our kids really are magical. So many of our kids in the community don’t have enough people investing time into them. Long post I know. “It’s the little things.”Thank you to Fawn Simpson-Funderburg, Wendell Funderburg for hosting at The Ponds. Chief Howell and the Cops n Kids event, I appreciate y’all doing this for our community. Really it even helps me. I have so much trauma related to officers that it good to interact with y’all as fellow citizens serving our community. Also shot out to YMCA Racine for being a partner.
" Cops N’ Kids… A very big thank you to Fawn Funderburg and her family for hosting the annual Cops N’ Kids Fishing Tournament. The day was filled with fun and excitement. Located on their beautiful property at the pond kids partnered with law enforcement officials to learn about fishing and build stronger community relations. Little Bryan and I really enjoyed our time! Thank you Fawn and everyone at Gateway who donate time and treasure for our community."
Dr. Bryan Albrecht, Gateway Technical College President
Thanks to Dr. Bryan Albrecht, my Gateway Technical College President and grandson, Little Bryan for taking the time to stop out and support the event!!
