tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165935972024-03-12T17:04:05.044-05:00Boxing Mid-LifeAdventures in boxing of a middle-aged tomboy.Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.comBlogger1398125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-86274206138405770952021-02-26T17:21:00.000-06:002021-02-26T17:21:50.408-06:00Counted Out Without An Apology<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUfZ1wr65xTdkXHHN8cA_MWFZLpNlYgO1Rs2vtKkHEj8FpB7xGIQUe0CQqAKfqwCeukAcxH-_s3FB3pui6AHLLCZ9BlHoUdTIJef3SPMVq3nUXYuqVsBZ40gRI_BFeSiVicTa-g/s275/female+boxer+knocked+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUfZ1wr65xTdkXHHN8cA_MWFZLpNlYgO1Rs2vtKkHEj8FpB7xGIQUe0CQqAKfqwCeukAcxH-_s3FB3pui6AHLLCZ9BlHoUdTIJef3SPMVq3nUXYuqVsBZ40gRI_BFeSiVicTa-g/s0/female+boxer+knocked+out.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>After a year of going back and forth with the Chicago Park District regarding the way I was pushed out of the coaching job I had at LaFollette Park, everything has come to an end. As of yesterday, I am no longer officially an employee.</p><p>I was given no apology for the park district's antics. Like older people used to say when I was growing up, that would have been too much like right for the Chicago Park District to do. So here I am unemployed again, as I have been on and off ever since I was laid off from the very last full-time job I had back in 2008. LaFollette Park was toxic in terms of environment (I learned that LaFollette was known as a "problem park" not long after I began working there), and I am glad never to have to set foot in that place again. Yet, that was the only job I ever had where I could truly tell people that I loved the work I did.</p><p>I played with the idea of volunteering again for the park district like I did for several years at Loyola Park before I became an employee. However, I have a bad taste in my mouth now that I know how the park district operates. Besides, I remember that Sahia, who volunteered in the program at LaFollette, wasn't respected nor treated right many times - mostly by staff - when she helped me out. I knew at least one of the parents was also acting funny towards her because Sahia is not Black. And Rick, who was very interested in being a volunteer and would have been a great addition, bowed out because of the sabotage he saw being done to the boxing program there from within. </p><p>Since COVID-19 began, the park district's boxing program has taken many blows. As of this writing, several of the field houses that had boxing classes don't at the moment. There was an attempt to have online boxing classes, but I don't think that went over well. </p><p>So...what's next? I'm quarantining at home, as I have been for months. The fact that I'm diabetic doesn't make me a good candidate for hanging out and about. Unless I really can't avoid going somewhere, I don't. I'm glad for Zoom meetings and email. </p><p>As for boxing, I don't know. I have to figure out another way to participate in it. </p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-31498564369074680672020-05-21T18:39:00.001-05:002020-05-21T18:39:37.069-05:00Boxing and A World-Wide Health Issue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUUNLysWnJ_FODqwc8KT8n8NHAwEBLTdHaG_nKovdHz3NWXbg8n6xzngaNFCXDX1UZ3zAJE72GEMGB35r5AEaC4Vw3B0Rn33EyHV_UjyLCPLbV-WoRSS83ItLVBQWe45advVOAQ/s1600/Amy+and+I+sparring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUUNLysWnJ_FODqwc8KT8n8NHAwEBLTdHaG_nKovdHz3NWXbg8n6xzngaNFCXDX1UZ3zAJE72GEMGB35r5AEaC4Vw3B0Rn33EyHV_UjyLCPLbV-WoRSS83ItLVBQWe45advVOAQ/s320/Amy+and+I+sparring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Chicago Park District has been closed since late March. The latest news is that the place will be closed until the end of this month. The spring session was canceled entirely. There are plans to have a shortened summer session, including the summer camp. I don't see how that's going to happen in light of social distancing rules. Regardless of what happens, it's unlikely that I will be allowed to continue there.<br />
<br />
Steve, my supervisor, and everybody else noticed me using a cane for a little over three years and seemingly had no problem. All of a sudden, me being on a cane became an issue. Way back in February of this year, I was ordered to see the company doctor. The doctor released me to go back to work on light duty. Human Resources refused to listen to the doctor's advice nor make an effort to place me elsewhere in the organization. I've been in limbo ever since the last of my PTO (paid time off) ran out in March.<br />
<br />
Not long afterward, COVID-19 rolled through and put everyone's plans on ice.<br />
<br />
The boxing world is shut down. Oh, there's a lot of talk about staging pro fights without audiences to cut down on the spread of COVID-19, but in general, the sport is down for the count. The Chicago Golden Gloves were canceled. There's talk of rescheduling that for later this summer, but I have my doubts that will happen this year. However, the way things were going at LaFollette Park during the winter session, I probably would have come up empty-handed again when it came to having participants in the Gloves.<br />
<br />
During my self-quarantine, I've been watching a lot of boxing videos online. One of my favorites is The Fight with Teddy Atlas, where the boxing analyst gives his thoughts on the sport. Just today, I saw a video by Shane Fazen where he offers a video sparring session to keep boxers on their game. It appears that the Chicago Park District has given up on me; however, my love of boxing remains. I need to figure out what to do with that love now.<br />
<br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-81495352245634219702020-03-01T19:45:00.000-06:002020-03-01T19:45:38.175-06:00Gym Shut Down Due To Concern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJ8ynL4NYC0SFluss6lP2iVdKcgK6CaOihsryAFrDwPHkT6nI7gkpwuKsdM23-e4kJ4coSWgnWuobiFzhqKovpDs78NYra0LLCvMymjg3LvlyWMIGpHao25PfC7vDRe466COFOw/s1600/LaFollette+Boxing+Gym+door+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJ8ynL4NYC0SFluss6lP2iVdKcgK6CaOihsryAFrDwPHkT6nI7gkpwuKsdM23-e4kJ4coSWgnWuobiFzhqKovpDs78NYra0LLCvMymjg3LvlyWMIGpHao25PfC7vDRe466COFOw/s320/LaFollette+Boxing+Gym+door+sign.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On February 11th, I walked into work as usual. I had barely signed in on my timesheet when Steve had me come into a meeting with him and Colleen, who works in risk management. Less than 15 minutes later, I was sent home. I was told that the park district has a concern about my health. I've been using a cane for about three years. "Why is there a concern now?" I asked. Colleen claimed not to know, while Steve remained silent. Before being allowed to return to work, I had to see a company doctor.<br />
<br />
I saw the doctor, a kindly sort, who upon learning the Chicago Park District does not offer health insurance to most of its part-time employees, gave me information about a sliding-scale clinic near my home. I also finally learned that I have nerve damage in my left leg. It's treatable but the doctor I saw can't take me on as a patient due to conflict of interest. The doctor released me to return to work on light duty.<br /><br />Upon returning to work the following day, Steve told me that HR had to clear me to return to work. HR claimed there is no light duty for the boxing program. Until I am cleared for full-duty with no restrictions, I'm not allowed to work.<br />
<br />
I sent emails back and forth to HR and cc'd both Steve and Colleen about the situation. I even got the union involved. But still, I have no clarification about the rules and regulations involving me being forced off of work. It appears that no one at CPD, nor the union, is willing to give answers. I've been using my limited sick time and personal days to cover my absence, because, well, I still have to pay bills. Yet the way I was blindsided by this makes me wonder if I'm still considered to be an employee of the park district.<br /><br />A visit to the doctor at the sliding-scale clinic did not result in a recommendation that I can return to work. On my limited salary, I can't afford to keep paying to see them. This incident has put me into yet another set of shaky financial situations.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the gym remains closed. Next week is the end of the winter session. It's too late to gather anyone to get up to speed to participate in the Chicago Golden Glover nor the Chicago City-Wide Boxing Tournament.<br />
<br />
I'm angry.<br />
<br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-21673806782477333672020-02-07T00:35:00.001-06:002020-02-07T00:35:43.327-06:00Funny, But Not Funny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Jules, the teen who constantly asks questions yet has no listening skills, finally showed up at the boxing gym. "I know how to box," he told me. At that moment, I decided I was not doing any coaching. I leaned against the equipment table and let Jules show me what he knew.<br />
<br />
The first clue that Jules' knowledge wasn't extensive was the fact the teen did not know how to wrap his hands. He had his own pair of boxing gloves, however. I also learned that Jules did not know what the bell timer was, nor the difference between the heavy and speed bags. Jules' punches were sloppy and unfocused. No head movement was done, and Jules' footwork was dismal. Every question he asked that most boxers would know I responded dryly to with, "I thought you knew how to box, Jules."<br /><br />It was very hard to keep from laughing sarcastically, even though in reality, the situation wasn't funny. I didn't hold back on making sarcastic comments, however. Jules is slow on the draw but manages to catch when I'm not in the mood for bull. He asked, "Is everything okay?" "Just fine, I'm just fine," I answered, barely hiding my smirk. I feel sometimes that Jules is trying to make me feel guilty for not acting friendly, but I got news for him - it won't work.<br />
<br />
Finally, Jules said he never took one boxing lesson before. It was more like goofing around with friends after halfway paying attention to a boxing match on TV. "I know that this is going to be hard," Jules said, but I doubt that there is a clear understanding of what work has to go into learning the sport.<br />
<br />
I was asked, "How late can I be to class?" followed by "I can't be here every day," because Jules is playing basketball. Jules begged me for weeks to be in the class. After finally getting that I was not going to let anyone in the class who had not registered, he brought his mom in to fill out the form. After all of that, it took three weeks for Jules to bring himself to the gym. Then Jules had the nerve to tell me what he can and can't do? Coach James told me Jules is a good kid. I don't know good kids who are manipulative, selfish, trying to run games on adults, hard-headed, and giving the impression of being uncoachable.<br />
<br />
<br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-16227259971223821262020-02-06T12:38:00.000-06:002020-02-06T12:38:48.201-06:00Time Out and Time Put In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I'm going to stop telling the youths and the adults that I don't force boxing class participants to compete. For too long, that has given everybody an out when it comes to participating fully in the program. It has led to numerous attendance and discipline problems in the gym.<br /><br />I've been blindsided too many times by those who, after beginning the class, tell me they don't want to fight. Most of the adults will tell me that upfront. However, few of the youths do. Days and weeks pass by before I learn the youths have no real goals they want to accomplish in the class. In the meantime, I've wasted my efforts by showing them advanced boxing methods they never plan on using.<br />
<br />
From now on, those who don't want to compete will only be shown the basic moves. After that, they are free to use the equipment to their hearts' desire. However, I will not show them anything further. Those advanced moves will be reserved for those who actually want to fight and win. Hopefully, that will cut down on the number of youths who aren't interested, as they will quickly drop out of class or just not bother to re-register again for the class.<br />
<br />
As for the adults, most of them don't want to compete, so only giving them the basics so they can do a workout should suffice. Many of the adults don't have the time or energy to put into competing due to the responsibilities they have outside of the gym. Positioning their time in the gym as an exercise class works out better.<br />
<br />
Lately, I've been concerned about when I'm not able to be at the gym, mainly due to illness and injury. The contract between the labor union and the park district made late last year still does not allow for most part-time employees, including me, to receive health insurance. Part-timers can accrue sick time, and personal days add up slowly. But part-times don't get vacation time, and judging by the issues we have to deal with from staff and customers alike, most of us need time off to decompress. Unfortunately, sick days have to substitute for the vacation days. That is not a good situation for part-time employees who may have to use the sick days to recover from illness, only not to have enough time on the books for also having to use those days just to have time off.<br />
<br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-85206877645699894672020-02-05T12:19:00.000-06:002020-02-05T12:19:30.983-06:00Doubling Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Rick, who has been helping out in the boxing gym, said that youths who are in the program but don't want to compete and/or are participating in other sports should not be hindered from registering. However, no time and effort should be put in on my part to train them. "Let them hit the bags all they want, but spend time on the youths who really want to fight," Rick said.<br /><br />I've been doing that for a while, but I've also begun to double down on my expectations of people who are in the program. Yesterday, I had to check Jules' mother about what I was not going to continue to put up with from her son. I wasn't going to bother making a courtesy call. However, I was curious about what was going on since Jules had begged me for weeks to be in the class. She registered him for boxing on January 17th, and that was the only day Jules has been in the gym. I was told that Jules has been involved in some activity at school this week, but that didn't explain why her son was not in the class on the other days. "If Jules doesn't want to follow rules, then Jules need not show up to the gym," I informed her.<br />
<br />
Tiyana has also been gone for weeks with no explanation. Jamire dropped out after the first week after I announced I wasn't tolerating the same behavior that Jamire displayed three years ago when he was in the gym. Jaquazz and Amarion have been missing, and Richard has been skipping days. Elijah and Jazzmyne can only attend the program once a week for the time being. None of the adults who are registered have been showing up for class. I was talking about possibly attending the City-Wide Boxing Tournament this year, but that is looking like a no-go again for this year.<br />
<br />
My supervisor asked for a list of what equipment I need, and I gave it to him. Whether or not I get what I asked for is another issue. The football, basketball, and baseball teams never deal with a lack of resources because they get help from some of the professional sports organizations in town. The coach of those teams is also allowed to have fundraisers, but for reasons that still aren't exactly clear, I'm not allowed to do that for boxing. Even the swim team gets some outside support. I'm at the mercy of depending on whether there is enough money in the field house's budget.<br />
<br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-1270297896203452512020-01-19T16:56:00.000-06:002020-01-19T16:56:30.558-06:00These Hands Vs. Trespassing<br />
<br />
Snow and rain hit Chicago this past Friday. I was not surprised when the gym remained empty. Changes in the weather always have an effect on participation. Unfortunately, the weather doesn't keep out everybody.<br />
<br />
A guy with a backpack walked in and asked if he could get a workout in. Seeing the guy was an adult, I told him the cost of the boxing class for his age group. "But there's no one in here," the guy said. My spidey-senses went up. "It doesn't matter. The youths go here for free. The adults have to pay for the class, and I have to account for the people who are in here," I answered. The guy walked over to one of the speed bags after roaming around the room and started hitting it. I informed the guy that until he registered, there could be no using the equipment.<br />
<br />
The guy walked out of the gym, but went and sat on the steps leading up to the back exit door. Another hour passed by. The guy walked back in asking if I had punch mitts. "There is equipment here," I answered. The guy wasn't aware that I had seen him looking inside the equipment room earlier. When the guy started in with wanting a free workout again, I point-blank asked him, "Didn't we have this conversation an hour ago?" I repeated the cost of the class as well as the general rules and regulations surrounding it. <br />
<br />
The guy kept pushing. "I'm not about to do anything that's going to get me in trouble with the supervisor. I like to be able to keep paying my rent," I dryly said. Then I proceeded to get an earful of how the field house is a "community building" and "people should be allowed to come in and do things," plus a sob story about being homeless. I kept repeating the rules of the park district. We went back and forth with temperatures rising by the minute. The argument stopped when Rick walked in and cut it off. <br />
<br />
Sometimes, the youths will try to use the gym without going through the right procedures. However, adults try to pull that more often than the youths. I was glad no youths were in the room because I have no idea how far that guy would have gone to get what he wanted. Incidents like that point to what is lacking in terms of security measures at LaFollette Park. <br /><br />I know there were staff people sitting at the front desk counter who saw the guy walk in. Rick had spoken to them when he arrived shortly after the guy in the gym and I got into it. Whenever I'm up at the front desk, I'm noticing who is walking in the front entrance. I will address people who appear to be strolling through without a real agenda. Unfortunately, it seems that I'm one of the very few employees who are cognizant about keeping a watch out. I guess others don't notice the news stories about shootings and other assaults that have been going on with alarming regularity in workplaces.<br /><br />Security staff is not consistent nor effective at LaFollette. I might see a security guard one day, and not see another one there for a couple of weeks. The majority of the guards, with one or two exceptions, sit behind the front desk yakking and laughing with staff or watching the Internet on their cell phones. I don't know of any guards who have actually stayed until the field house closes for the day. The last time there was a shooting in the park, there was no security guard on duty.<br />
<br />
Regardless of the fact that I'm on a cane, these hands of mine still work. I've never felt safe at my job. It concerns me that there was a real possibility that I might have had to use my hands this past Friday. It concerns me even more that if things had become very serious that day, nothing much would have been done other than people saying, "Oh, that's too bad that happened to Hillari."<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-58105660428364957462020-01-08T13:01:00.000-06:002020-01-08T13:01:10.414-06:00Patience and Breakage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQcqq-DVWbSsEU33JOqe-5YnEuQ3U3VnE_9LjAvl3u3kRqgxww-7ydFdxkfcWaUWtbAPZ3LyI6qSLArbO6_iVhlmjyN9MQi_oTNcmjnWr1JSXaLpvEaGEVrQW8EMz5TwCUvIDyQ/s1600/body+shield+at+Loyola.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQcqq-DVWbSsEU33JOqe-5YnEuQ3U3VnE_9LjAvl3u3kRqgxww-7ydFdxkfcWaUWtbAPZ3LyI6qSLArbO6_iVhlmjyN9MQi_oTNcmjnWr1JSXaLpvEaGEVrQW8EMz5TwCUvIDyQ/s320/body+shield+at+Loyola.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The one uppercut bag in the gym crashed down to the floor while Richard, who returned to the program after a couple of years, was using it. I knew one of the bags in the gym would fall eventually, but I thought it would be one of the heavy bags. I have a new one in the supply room, but I will need help in putting it up. <br />
<br />
Speaking of returns, Jamire's appearance, after having been gone for three years, wasn't exactly welcomed. The same issues that were going on back them - not fully participating nor paying attention, whining, etc. - are still on display. I read Jamire the riot act, in front of his mom, about the expectations that are still in place.<br />
<br />
Rick has returned to help out, but Steve still expects him to fill out a volunteer form. I understand that is the park district policy. However, I'm in agreement with Rick being concerned about how his personal information is going to be handled by other staff members. Several months ago, information regarding money that I owe to the city was lying around the front desk counter for everybody to see. That stuff happens too often down there like the gossip and backbiting. I don't want Rick to be discouraged from helping and being frustrated in his efforts. Sahia hasn't been to the gym to volunteer in months, and due to family matters, she probably is not going to return. I would like for Rick to keep helping out.<br /><br />I don't make it a secret that my patience with most of the youths' behaviors at the field house, whether the youths are in my program or not, is extremely thin. I need another adult there to give me a chance to go off into a corner and take a few deep breaths whenever something happens inside the gym that really works my nerves. <br />
<br />
Speaking of working my nerves, one of the teens who keeps bombarding me with questions about joining the boxing program was at it again recently. I learned their parents don't want to sign him up. The teen grumbled about "my parents won't support what I want to do", but that is everybody's story. I was discouraged from going into the military, from being a police officer, and from being an actress/singer. Most youths refuse to accept that they are going to have to wait until they become 18 years old before they can do whatever. <br /><br />Upon learning their parents would have to come in to complete registration, the teen got on his cell phone to call his mom. She refused to come down to the field house. That particular day was her birthday. Why did the teen think it was a good idea to expect their mom was going to interrupt their special day for something they had already given no as their answer? Really?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-64595523327604145362019-12-31T21:22:00.001-06:002019-12-31T21:22:42.623-06:00Yawning At The End<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAhFKEnCbipImJYtzQKbLtyROUyKNXgREtjRJ89M9kg6bltROPAmtCzYZLSJxeD1zS4Kr0xD0Gn6eMBWFV_XQtzP30VwSUKa3VOZ_v3gcWMHdJxvAgGvkW4SkOXrk-qKlBbug_Q/s1600/Tony+and+I+Dec+19+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAhFKEnCbipImJYtzQKbLtyROUyKNXgREtjRJ89M9kg6bltROPAmtCzYZLSJxeD1zS4Kr0xD0Gn6eMBWFV_XQtzP30VwSUKa3VOZ_v3gcWMHdJxvAgGvkW4SkOXrk-qKlBbug_Q/s320/Tony+and+I+Dec+19+2019.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Earlier this month, I received a surprise visit from Doneisha and her son Tony. Tony was in the boxing class about a couple of years ago; these days, Tony is in military school. He's doing well. His mom is thinking about returning to boxing herself to get some exercise.<br />
<br />
This month has mostly been quiet. I don't have the gym open during the breaks, not even during this one which is the longest of the year. I always need to decompress, especially after this recent fall session. Dealing with Caiden, Keon, and Kevin's attitudes was NOT the highlight of that session. I keep checking the roster on the computer and hoping they haven't changed their minds and decided to sign up for class again. So far, so good.<br />
<br />
As usual, my supervisor has expressed concerns about the low numbers in the youth classes. Only Elijah, his sister Jazzmyne, and Richard, another kid who used to be in the class a couple of years ago, are registered. I found some old registration forms to use because I'm not leaving in the middle of classes to sign up anyone for class. The usual habit of most is to not sign up until the second or third week of class. I've learned that people aren't thinking about signing their kids up for extracurricular activities during the holiday season. <br />
<br />
Another reason for not leaving the class to register people is that I don't have Sahia in the gym to watch when I have to step away. She's been gone due to a family medical situation since mid-summer. I'm beginning to have my doubts that she will be able to return. My supervisor gave Rick, a former boxing coach, a volunteer application when he noticed Rick was showing interest in hanging around the gym. There was some resistance on Rick's part about filling out the form. Now I haven't seen nor heard from Rick in weeks. I left a voice message for him, but I didn't receive a return call.<br />
<br />
I'm not making any predictions for the year 2020. There are too many improvements that need to happen in the boxing program that may not take place - again - next year. <div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-22846314104273651622019-11-22T12:49:00.000-06:002019-11-22T12:49:31.762-06:00Speaking of Relatives <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwviAfOsmtLpXzPdgNi4JitrwMFJSqjHfhsWCen6izsGTPsa1FBT6Y0dv9wvfgcofe_YyuthlO4n9TX3Wk1bpnLFt9XInPHY3d8upOrfeL0-_8huHLjeW4SxYrY1rls7yjrVkBug/s1600/Myself%252C+Caiden%252C+Keon%252C+Keith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwviAfOsmtLpXzPdgNi4JitrwMFJSqjHfhsWCen6izsGTPsa1FBT6Y0dv9wvfgcofe_YyuthlO4n9TX3Wk1bpnLFt9XInPHY3d8upOrfeL0-_8huHLjeW4SxYrY1rls7yjrVkBug/s320/Myself%252C+Caiden%252C+Keon%252C+Keith.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
A guy named Terrance was working with a production crew that was filming scenes for an untitled movie at the field house. He took this photo. I'm smiling for the camera and Terrance. However, the three in the background - Caiden, and his cousins Keith and Keon - I had no smiles available.<br />
<br />
I don't know what is going on with them, but for the last week or so, running the class with them has been difficult. It has gotten to the point that I'm not listened to at all, and I'm constantly being disrespected. I called Caiden's mom, who said she would talk to him. She also said she would talk with Keon and Keith's dad. There has been no change in behavior, especially where Caiden is concerned. Keith is just clueless. I don't really feel right lumping Keon in with the other two because he is more serious about learning something than his brother and cousin. But Keon gets distracted by them during class.<br />
<br />
I often dread when youths who are related to each other are in the boxing class. The youths play around with each other, etc., and nothing much in the way of training gets done. There are exceptions. For example, Jazzmyne and Elijah, siblings who are in the teen class, are always on-point in regards to working hard while they are in the gym. <br />
<br />
But not so with Caiden, Keith and Keon. Those youths had been talking about their disinterest in boxing for a while. I let it go for the longest time, but early last week, I couldn't act like I hadn't heard what was said. I put the boys in check for making statements in front of me about how they find boxing boring, they don't like shadowboxing, they don't want to do the warm-up, etc. I also brought up how I didn't appreciate the disrespect that was shown towards Rick, a former coach who has been stopping by the gym. All have said they don't plan to be in the class after this current session is over. Ever since that conversation, the relationship between them and I has gone down. <br />
<br />
I gave them the option of not coming to the gym at all anymore. After all, their parents wouldn't be losing any money because boxing is free for youths. Keith gave me some explanation as to why they won't drop the class, but I was so angry with Keith and his brother and cousin that I didn't pay attention to what was said. I don't even pretend to want to train them anymore, and my level of sarcasm is off the charts whenever I have to say anything to them. All is left is counting down the days until this session is over. <div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-86747493591379132152019-11-15T23:54:00.001-06:002019-11-15T23:54:30.935-06:00Me Vexed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
This wasn't a good week. The last thing I wanted was to have my blood pressure raised again when I arrived at the gym. Unfortunately, Caiden and his cousins Keith and Keon did just that. As usual, the boys showed up late to the gym. Another 15 minutes of playing around took place further cutting down on the time available for sparring.<br />
<br />
Keith put a pair of sparring gloves on then announced, "I'm not sparring today." "This is just like at Hamlin Park, waiting until the last minute to say, 'I don't want to fight'," I told Keith sarcastically. Keon and Caiden sparred but in the middle of the first round, Caiden dropped to the canvas and rolled out of the ring. "I quit," Caiden grumbled. "Why?" I demanded. I wasn't given a coherent answer.<br />
<br />
No such drama happens with Jazzmyne and her brother Elijah, who showed up for the next class. It helps greatly that their parents are totally on board with their kids learning the sport properly and participating in it. Both Jazzmyne and Elijah soak up everything Rick and I show them, and they are hungry to learn more.<br />
<br />
Rick believes Caiden and his cousins can learn to be disciplined in the sport. However, my patience has long disappeared. When Caiden and his cousins aren't playing around, they're constantly sniping at each other. Not much in the way of training happens during the hour. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-77189161836601660752019-11-14T01:07:00.002-06:002019-11-14T01:07:56.333-06:00Seeing Sabotage From The Outside<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
David apparently assumed that I would be happy to see him. David hadn't been in the gym for nearly two weeks. "Where have you been?" was my greeting. "I was in church," David replied. It was something that he knew about in advance, so I should have been notified. However, being considerate in that manner keeps going over David's head, and his cousin Vanessa doesn't get it, either. Vanessa has been MIA for about the same length of time. Their cousin Esteban was a no-show most of the time when he was registered in the class.<br />
<br />
Luckily, Jazzmyne, who is more serious about the sport, was in the gym during the teen class. I ignored David for the short 20 minutes he works out just because I could, and I focused on her. Jazzmyne's dad, Johnathan, is planning to register her younger brother, Elijah, for the winter session. <br />
<br />
It was pointed out to me by someone who has hung around the field house a few times that the boxing program is being sabotaged. Unfortunately, that's not new information. That has been going on basically from the first day I started working for the park district. I know some of the reasons why. For example, some of it springs from the "Hillari doesn't like kids" whispering. Yeah, that rumor has been running since 2015 with no sign of slowing down. Other reasons aren't clear, but the situation is one of the main reasons why the boxing program at LaFollette hasn't grown much. <br />
<br />
I'm still working on expanding my wish list of what I would like to happen in the gym. However, finding cooperation from everyone involved is not going to be easy to do. <br />
<br />
<br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-88730626363851677162019-11-06T01:21:00.002-06:002019-11-06T01:21:52.237-06:00Write It Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Rick (Riccardo) brought a friend of his, Mike, to the gym. Both had some great ideas about building up the boxing program at LaFollette Park. Mike suggested that I write down what I want the program to accomplish over the next few weeks and months. We need to have a plan to start with. <br />
<br />
Initially, I wrote a lot about what I expected to go on in the gym. Most of that involved the training process. What I had concerning behaviors and goals that the participants should aspire to came much later as situations came up. Those went up as signs on the wall which few people read. Now I see that I need to form a more comprehensive plan. <br />
<br />
I need better cooperation from parents, guardians, and youths which remains extremely elusive. Rick and Mike said, "We have to make them want to be here." That's not going to be easy in light of kids who resist learning the discipline needed for the sport, parents, and guardians whose only interest in the program is that it is free, the fact that the team sports get more attention, park district limitations on the boxing program, etc. This is going to take a lot of work, but it's worth giving it a try.<br />
<br />
Jazzmyne, a teenage girl, showed up to announce that she had signed up for the boxing class last week. The computers have been down at the field house for over a week, so I was not able to check on registrations. But then, I was not expecting anyone to sign up this late in the season. Jazzmyne had taken up boxing a couple of years ago at Portage Park. She remembers some of the basics, but we've got to work on re-learning a lot of the techniques. <br />
<br />
Once again, I was irritated by the boys in the first class who keep trying to incorporate street fighting antics into boxing. "What if I punch like this?" Keith asked, pretending to deliver a blow to someone who was on the canvas. "The referee won't allow it," I answered. Then Keith decides he would come at the question another way in hopes of getting the answer he wanted. "What if they grabbed me in a certain way?" Keith asked. "It does not matter," I said, trying to keep some anger out of my voice. "The referee will stop it. Realize that boxing is NOT a street fight. It has rules." One of the purposes of boxing is to keep kids off of the streets, not giving the kids a pass to give better beat downs on these streets. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-8200529574980062182019-11-04T20:01:00.000-06:002019-11-04T20:01:20.656-06:00Looking At The Front Door<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was low sick all this past weekend, and I was not 100% today. I have no doubt that I caught something from one of the kids in the gym although I don't know which one. Every time an adult catches something from a kid, like me for example, the adult is affected ten times worse.<br />
<br />
I put in a phone message to Mike O'Hara as suggested by Riccardo, a former coach who has been coming around lately to LaFollette Park. Mike is involved in boxing and is looking for a place where he can bring some people who want to train. Riccardo would like to help build up the boxing program. But I often wonder if it is a case of too little, too late for LaFollette Park.<br />
<br />
The last time Riccardo came in, Keon and Keith were in the gym. Whenever those two thought I wasn't paying attention, the usual slacking off would start. Riccardo noticed that, too. "Those who don't want to train need to be told to go in the corner while you work with the ones who are serious about this," Riccardo told me. Good advice, but easier said than done. I seldom have serious contenders on the attendance list, but plenty of those who not only waste my time but don't even finish out the ten-week sessions. Depending on my level of irritation and who is causing that, there are days where I don't give out much in terms of instruction. <br />
<br />
Like an old rap song said, "I'm looking at the front door." Seriously. All the effort I've put into trying to make that boxing program work has come to naught. I appreciate Riccardo wanting to help out. However, any revival of the current situation has to attract willing participants who will stick with the class in the long run. Unfortunately, serious people do NOT register for the boxing classes. <br />
<br />
I keep hearing that the former boxing coach at LaFollette was a guy named Pat LaCassa. I understand that LaCassa was a former boxer and went on to train some good amateur and professional boxers. I would sure love to talk to him to learn if he faced the same challenges I've always had to deal with in the gym. <br />
<br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-52313940487092414722019-10-25T00:57:00.000-05:002019-10-25T00:57:35.288-05:00Humbuggin' At Hamlin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxuqnZsiATAMH7V_2HQSCf_jjUf0ODygE8iSVct8vxWD8v5nDcID4xetaeqx8GAwWcNJbcrennaH2ZDP5hUQ7FjQYUYDAEvK2pJmh8wU9tO8C3mu0xBbfcSb2d5riLehyphenhyphenRMpTqA/s1600/Hamlin+Park+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="488" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxuqnZsiATAMH7V_2HQSCf_jjUf0ODygE8iSVct8vxWD8v5nDcID4xetaeqx8GAwWcNJbcrennaH2ZDP5hUQ7FjQYUYDAEvK2pJmh8wU9tO8C3mu0xBbfcSb2d5riLehyphenhyphenRMpTqA/s320/Hamlin+Park+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Caiden, Keon, and Keith, along with their dad and Keon and Keith's little brother came up to Hamlin Park for the boxing show there. Keith decided he didn't want to fight. "I'd rather practice some more," he said. Caiden suited up before the matches were made. He didn't get one. "I'll keep my stuff on just in case someone shows up later," Caiden said. "There is no later. The matches have all been made," I informed him.<br />
<br />
Three of the fights were stopped due to injuries. At the end of another fight, a boxer's shirt was covered with blood. I was surprised because the fighters who lost those matches were Hamlin fighters. "That usually doesn't happen," I told Keon and Keith's dad, explaining that Hamlin boxers are usually the victors. <br />
<br />
Keon was matched up, and his fight was the 12th and last one of the evening. The other fighter was from Ogden Park where Kenny is the coach. Keon threw some sloppy punches, that is, when Keon was not turning his head and back away from the other guy. "Stop turning her head. STOP IT!" I yelled from the corner. In between rounds, his father, who helped in the corner, kept telling Keon to keep his hands up. Keon's unwillingness to answer punches led to Shifty the referee having to give him an eight-count twice. <br />
<br />
Before the last round began, I told Keon, "Keep on not looking at the other guy and the referee will stop this match." Shifty let the round come to a conclusion, but Keon never changed his routine. No, Keon didn't win. "We need to work on a lot," I told Keon afterward.<br />
<br />
There were celebrities on-hand to give out trophies after a few of the fights. One of them was Jon Seda who appears on the TV series "Chicago P.D.". Seda was a runner up in the New Jersey Golden Gloves years ago. <br />
<br />
After the show, I saw Rick Wilson, who I hadn't seen in a long time. It was so good to see him. I also met Victor Matteo, a friend of his who boxed a lot back in the day. <br />
<br />
Hamlin Park's show was the last one I'm going to this year. Earlier, I told Kenny and Alan that I hadn't been to a south side boxing show in four years. "The west siders don't want to go out south," I explained. "I go to all the shows," Kenny said. But Kenny always has youths who want to fight. I'm lucky to have anyone who wants to come to class, let alone step into the ring. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-56403390951520860052019-10-22T13:05:00.000-05:002019-10-22T13:05:47.234-05:00No Strike, But Plenty of Misses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBNELmT6YyQPjPxWrxabRJLbQHn3B4hWfbcQpgXmMU77Ihab7gSJ_erYDL7DWmjM17yGIHF2V_0WZCpdnsUwikEb0_ETVfKpwxJXyS3e0EaEKnAbTyHBMDTAgqK0KdVOy_X246A/s1600/Orginal+dolphins+1979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBNELmT6YyQPjPxWrxabRJLbQHn3B4hWfbcQpgXmMU77Ihab7gSJ_erYDL7DWmjM17yGIHF2V_0WZCpdnsUwikEb0_ETVfKpwxJXyS3e0EaEKnAbTyHBMDTAgqK0KdVOy_X246A/s320/Orginal+dolphins+1979.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
The Chicago Park District just barely avoided dealing with a strike. Unfortunately, the Chicago Public Schools did not; their strike has been going on since last week. Usually, the park district gets an overflow of youths needing activities to occupy their time while school is not in session. However, the field house has been quiet and attendance in my boxing program has not gone up.<br /><br />There was another sign-up yesterday, but I'm not sure what to make of that. Amy is a 16-year-old who signed up for exercise purposes. She's in a program at her school where she'll receive a good grade if she can show that she completed 50 hours of a fitness program. This is the seventh week of the fall session. Amy doesn't realize that she is not going to get all of her hours done before the session ends at the end of November. I'm not keeping the gym open during the long break before the winter session begins in January.<br />
<br />
Caiden still can't shut up when needed, and Keon and Keith keep allowing themselves to be distracted by their cousin. I'm also tired of Caiden pestering Ivan to spar with him, something Ivan is not interested in doing. Hamlin Park's boxing show is this week. "Those kids at Hamlin will be ready for you all. Y'all have to be ready for them," I told the boys. Keon made a statement that hinted that doing a boxing match may not be something he can do. Keith hasn't really shown much enthusiasm about the boxing show. Caiden keeps thinking that street fighting skills are going to transfer into the ring. I have a feeling that Caiden is going to lose another match.<br />
<br />
I've given up on Ivan. Now he's telling me that his swimming class only meets once a week. Ivan has to leave in the middle of the boxing class to go to the pool. But that does not explain Ivan's other absences from class. Two of the staff members gave me funny looks when I got on Ivan about his attendance, but please - I'm not studying that, as my paternal grandmother used to say. For any of the park district programs to work, people need to attend them on a regular basis. Besides, Ivan doesn't have much interest in the sport. <br />
<br />
David and Vanessa keep strolling into class late. It doesn't matter so much with Vanessa, as she has said she doesn't want to fight. She also misses one day out of each week due to a swimming class, and she's absent often due to school activities. It still ticks me off that her people pushed for her to be registered in the class knowing that she couldn't fully participate. David, on the other hand, never does a full class because of leaving early every day to do competitive swimming. Here lately, David keeps asking about sparring and appearing in boxing shows. I remember that David's dad doesn't want his son to fight. David keeps forgetting that. I informed David that fighting is something he'll never get to do as long as he's doing twenty minutes of my program and running off to the pool. If his dad changes his mind, he'll have to personally let me know. <br />
<br />
The teen class is now full - at least on paper - with the addition of Amy. The younger kids' class has seven kids, but only four of them show up. Five people are signed up for the adult class, and Alex was the only one showing up. But Alex has not been there for over a week. I don't believe that Alex will be there anymore.<br />
<br />
Sahia has been MIA, as well. I don't have a cell phone plan with unlimited minutes, so I make very few calls. An email was sent to her some time ago, but I've heard no news. I can only hope that all is well.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-10867756418997391992019-10-10T12:29:00.003-05:002019-10-10T12:29:52.746-05:00Silence Is Golden But Not Always Present<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Caiden's twin cousins, Keon and Keith, are now part of the class. The twins appear to be even-tempered and thoughtful, but Caiden's constant talking grates on my nerves. Verbal retorts have been given to most everything I've been saying lately. I understand that most kids these days are not been raised as strictly as many of mine and previous generations were. Unfortunately, these days, behaviors that are allowed at home are being done in public and most times, not checked. However, I continue to operate on the old-school ways regarding respect kids are supposed to have towards adults, and I'm not backing down from that.<br />
<br />
I had to tell Caiden in several ways yesterday to shut up. Keon and Keith have to be shown what to do, and their cousin kept interrupting and interfering. I was reminded of an incident where I was defending my late younger sister against the wrath of our late father. Dad got in my face and told me to never get in his way when he was dealing with another kid. <br />
<br />
Ivan was a no-show again, as well as Kayla and a few other kids registered for the youth boxing class. Damion, a kid whom I signed up yesterday, didn't appear. "Where are all the other kids?" a question Caiden keeps asking me. "I didn't carry any of them for nine months, so how should I know?" I shot back when he asked me yesterday. <br />
<br />
Caiden kept bouncing off of the ropes while shadowboxing in the ring. "Stop doing that. This is not professional wrestling, which is fake, by the way," I ordered. Caiden has a bad habit of challenging everything people tell him. His teacher at school must have a hard time dealing with him every day. After telling me he thought that was okay to do, Caiden insisted that the WWE was real. I cut off the debate before it went too far. "There are books and documentaries that tell the truth about professional wrestling. Look it up on the Internet if you don't believe me," I said. I have to keep reminding myself that grown folks don't argue with kids. <br />
<br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-22928235904654801342019-10-03T22:39:00.000-05:002019-10-03T22:39:11.792-05:00Pizza and Punches At Loyola Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLOyxmBOZe1_AmxJsDN0ZPeHR42Cg5xklGGCTiwS1VjGZCAQh6JqTtszYzkdywuDxuRd5lz_Z66Zx57tjAz86LOVsGBDF0l533sLoY8nzewc0MRerySB3EI3tp5XBNX70byBK5w/s1600/Loyola+Park+Boxing+Explosion+Sign+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLOyxmBOZe1_AmxJsDN0ZPeHR42Cg5xklGGCTiwS1VjGZCAQh6JqTtszYzkdywuDxuRd5lz_Z66Zx57tjAz86LOVsGBDF0l533sLoY8nzewc0MRerySB3EI3tp5XBNX70byBK5w/s320/Loyola+Park+Boxing+Explosion+Sign+2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Caiden, his little brother, his mom, and his aunt beat me down to Loyola Park's boxing show today. There was a good turnout, especially among the fighters. I arrived just as pizza from JB Alberto's was delivered for the coaches and officials.<br />
<br />
Mary, who is now retired from her position as supervisor of that park, came out to see the show. It was very good to see both her and Carolyn, an attendant at the park. "I miss seeing you," Carolyn told me. I realized that I miss going there on a regular basis. I also saw Manny, who tried to get a fight but couldn't find a matchup. Sebastian, Kevin, and Shelia were in attendance, too. <br />
<br />
Ten fights were presented. Caiden's fight was the sixth of the evening. The boy he fought was from Humboldt Park. They were close in weight and it was the first fight for both. Caiden was doing okay. I kept yelling for Caiden to keep his eyes on the other person, to stop pawing, and to throw straight punches and strong hooks. Caiden fell once, but Shifty the referee pronounced the fall to be a slip. The other boy won because Caiden was gassed out. We'll have to work on that back at LaFollette Park.<br />
<br />
I'm waiting for Ivan, who backed out of going to Loyola Park, to say anything out-of-turn the next time I see him. At least Caiden made the effort. <br />
<br />
<br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-66544325475807331542019-09-30T08:51:00.001-05:002019-09-30T08:51:17.837-05:00A Strike and No Boxing Fans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Several days ago, 94% of Chicago Park District employees voted to go on strike. If negotiations between the labor union and the park district don't improve within the next couple of weeks, employees will be encouraged to walk off of their jobs. I was part of the percentage that voted against it. Most of my co-workers at LaFollette Park think a 'yes' vote will protect their jobs. I've worked at enough places - most of whom were not covered by a labor union - to know that management will dig their heels in to keep situations the way they currently are. <br /><br />"I can't be fired for just anything," park district employees think in their defense of the union. I laugh derisively because management has always found a way to show employees the door regardless. I also shake my head because the presence of the union often allows employees who should have been let go to stay on. Why do people think, especially in this time when technology is king, that so many are looking at working for themselves? When I began working over 40 years ago, employers had more loyalty towards employees. Now it's everybody for themselves, and having a union involved doesn't make much difference in my opinion. <br />
<br />
I don't have time to sit around twiddling my thumbs in the event of a strike. Nor can I or the scores of other park district employees who don't have extra jobs and/or side gigs to supplement their income afford to miss paychecks during a strike. <br />
<br />
From conversations I've had with participants in the boxing classes, I've come to the conclusion that most are not boxing fans. The youths who play football, basketball, and baseball in the park district follow those sports. Very few in the boxing classes, youths or adults, watch any matches. Most know about Muhammad Ali. Some mention Floyd Mayweather Jr or Mike Tyson. But that's the extent of the knowledge about boxing. The result is a lack of connection to the sport which doesn't bode well especially for people who talk about wanting to compete. I'm always getting a lot of odd questions about what goes on in boxing matches that wouldn't come up if people were actually fans of the sport.<br />
<br />
The lack of boxing fans contributes heavily to the fact that LaFollette Park's boxing program is not where it needs to be and should be. <br />
<br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-58874601188990069172019-09-17T13:01:00.000-05:002019-09-17T13:01:05.195-05:00No Laughing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBgljH8idE04j0d7CoKvI7QHhausHg5rx0m0TbijK2x4igS5DyY1AmMPIF6RLmFwaJjpioGxwilhL5FoL1R4F5ZKGxTsTfk29dh28S4N41yNNRqlZjrso1Jaatw48XnPdGIm_uA/s1600/Some+days+curse+words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="555" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBgljH8idE04j0d7CoKvI7QHhausHg5rx0m0TbijK2x4igS5DyY1AmMPIF6RLmFwaJjpioGxwilhL5FoL1R4F5ZKGxTsTfk29dh28S4N41yNNRqlZjrso1Jaatw48XnPdGIm_uA/s320/Some+days+curse+words.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Vanesa seems to find a lot to giggle about in the boxing gym. Honestly, I wonder why she and her cousin David are in the teen class. David only does a half-hour and runs off to a competitive swimming class. Allegedly, his dad doesn't want David to compete in any boxing shows. Vanessa doesn't want to fight, but not because of any parental restrictions. I'm irritated because she doesn't listen to instructions, and she complains about being tired. "I'm 57 years old, and I feel tired many times, but I show up and be present," I told her. Vanessa is 13-years-old.<br /><br />"What's so funny? Do you see me laughing?" I asked her yesterday. I corrected her about her punches and she half-listened to what I said. Several times, I asked her to move on to the next exercise on the list and she just stood there. I don't bother to hide my sarcasm most of the time when talking to her.<br />
<br />
Ivan, another cousin of David and Vanesa's, has seemed to disappear from the youth class. Now their family is considering enrolling yet another kid in the class. Thrilled, I ain't, based on what I've seen from the other kids. It would be nice to know during the registration process that kids don't want to compete. Usually, I don't find out until the first day of a new session or later. It's still not a good look for me or the boxing program not to have any kids who don't want to go to the boxing shows.<br />
<br />
Doneisha and Tony, whom I hadn't seen in months, stopped by the field house. Doneisha asked me to fill out a recommendation form for Tony. She's sending him to a new high school. Doneisha talked about signing up for the boxing program again, but it sounds like she has a lot going on at the moment. Most adults do, which is why to an extent, I don't get very concerned when they register and don't attend class regularly. There's always something like having to work late or babysitting issues. That is one of the reasons why I don't demand that adults attend the class every day.<br />
<br />
However, I feel like I'm wasting time where most of the kids are concerned. If there's no interest and motivation, I'd rather that some kids drop out of the class. <br />
<br />
A good update about George, the coach at Garfield Park. He's out of the hospital. No heart attack nor mini-stroke. But George has said the experience gave him a new perspective on life. The plan is to cut down on the long hours George had been putting in at his gym. <br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-349223079826735762019-09-16T11:15:00.000-05:002019-09-16T11:15:41.415-05:00A Boxing Program That Lacks Much<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WqjvLjTKPRSzsZz65mx4zz05JooBPhFRFb6TSwM0qRgazwFm3OUwrxRskYNm38ppt-VA5YRzUEuPRNTGZWK-5j9XK9SmsHTz5mu5u_MEHddsKRH8qk_SBbjLBbs_xju9Y7kaxw/s1600/bag+gloves+at+Loyola+Park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WqjvLjTKPRSzsZz65mx4zz05JooBPhFRFb6TSwM0qRgazwFm3OUwrxRskYNm38ppt-VA5YRzUEuPRNTGZWK-5j9XK9SmsHTz5mu5u_MEHddsKRH8qk_SBbjLBbs_xju9Y7kaxw/s320/bag+gloves+at+Loyola+Park.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<br />
My supervisor recently told me that he won't buy extra equipment for the boxing gym. Low attendance numbers are the reason. There are many reasons for that.<br />
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<b>1) The neighborhood.</b> I grew up in Austin. Haven't lived over there since 1977, but trust me, not much has changed. Not many want to hang around LaFollette Park after certain times of the day. Please, most of the staff members don't want to be up there after dark.<br /><br /><b>2) Lack of awareness of the program.</b> The Chicago Park District heavily promotes the football, basketball, baseball and swimming programs. Boxing doesn't get mentioned much. Even floor hockey gets more press. There are many people who are not aware that there is a boxing program within the park district. There's only so much promotion I can do based on the limited resources and time I have.<br />
<br />
<b>3) Lack of interest in the program.</b> The team sports provide a social aspect, particularly where the youths are concerned, that boxing as an individual sport does not. Boxing has fallen out of favor over the years in general. Most under 40 years of age find the sport too slow. They prefer to watch MMA. There are plenty of professional wrestling fans under the age of twenty, and boxing doesn't often enough flash for them.<br />
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<b>4) Equipment issues.</b> Juan's father, Pedro, was constantly grumbling about the lack of equipment at LaFollette Park's boxing gym. Some of the people who have come through the gym were splitting their time between a private gym and LaFollette. Private gyms are charging money to everybody and charging more frequently than the park district. They can afford to upgrade when necessary. Pedro voiced his opinion, but I'm sure others have thought the same way and changed their minds about registering for the program when they saw what wasn't available.<br />
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<b>5) Time issues.</b> The park district gyms are only open on average three to four hours a day. Most of the gyms are open five days a week, but some are only open for two or three days. People complain, and mostly the grumbling is coming from those who have trained in private gyms where the hours are longer. People who are looking to be professional boxers complain about the time schedules, too. But the boxing program is mainly an after-school program and that's it.<br />
<br />
<b>6) Lack of support for the program within and without</b>. Other boxing coaches have complained about supervisors not caring about their programs. It is known that some supervisors like some programs in their field house better than others. I know from dealing with some of the youths' parents there is often little to zero interest in helping me make the program successful for the youths involved. <br />
<br />
Some parts of these issues can be fixed, but a lot of it can't and won't. Until everything can be solved in a satisfactory manner, the attendance numbers are going to continue to sink. <br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-28659691753036094162019-09-13T00:04:00.001-05:002019-09-13T00:04:51.563-05:00Cousins Antics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYm3ZSCeEx9VsT42HxbNER1RllDKOrQNHbtZCrCNqH3RRzF1Zwm50hyLWb2uPcG3GHDpciD776AC8qp0QdP0NbHoj-Xa7vLnpRmHScOFZOJyZ9VJtTW3IJXnHtqEWWpfXfEMq4A/s1600/gloves+lined+up+at+Loyola+Park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYm3ZSCeEx9VsT42HxbNER1RllDKOrQNHbtZCrCNqH3RRzF1Zwm50hyLWb2uPcG3GHDpciD776AC8qp0QdP0NbHoj-Xa7vLnpRmHScOFZOJyZ9VJtTW3IJXnHtqEWWpfXfEMq4A/s320/gloves+lined+up+at+Loyola+Park.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ivan came to the youth boxing class today. Cute kid, but Ivan is in need of having some focus. He's part of the same family as David and Vanesa. David showed up for the teen class, but Vanessa, his cousin who is 13-years-old, wasn't with him. "Where is she?" I asked. I was irritated that I even had to ask. David should have thought to automatically offer an explanation. Vanesa had to attend a school function. It was something that was known in advance, so I should have been given a heads up. "If your cousin doesn't care about coming here regularly, I'm not going to care. I'm being honest," I told David. I went through the same thing with Esteban, another cousin of his, back during the spring. I'm tired of it.<br />
<br />
George, the coach at Garfield Park, assumed he'd had a heart attack. Actually, it was a mini-stroke. He's in the hospital and stabilized for the time being. But the situation is scary. I'm praying for a speedy recovery. <br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-80202056714677045862019-09-11T09:05:00.001-05:002019-09-11T09:05:48.165-05:00My Thinning Patience <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
It would be nice if there was communication about when the fiscal year begins and ends at the Chicago Park District. One of the speed bag platforms is broken. Luckily, Sahia and I removed it before it would have fallen on someone. I told Steve, the supervisor, that I need it replaced. "I can't do anything because the budget is over," I was told. I have to go to Thomas, the boxing program coordinator, to see if he has another heavy bag/speed bag stand like the one in the photo above stored away someone. I still need mouthpieces, as well, because the program is supposed to provide them to youths for free. Haven't seen any of those in a couple of years. <br /><br />This latest incident comes right behind Pedro pulling his son Juan out of the teen boxing class. Pedro had been complaining throughout the summer session about the lack of and quality of the boxing equipment. Juan had been splitting his time between a private boxing gym and LaFollette Park's boxing gym. In Pedro's opinion, bringing his son to LaFollette was a let-down. Sahia and I explained that a public gym doesn't have the money of a private gym. Pedro acted like he understood, but now we know that wasn't the case. Juan is now at a private gym. <br /><br />A few participants in the past were training at both LaFollette and private gyms. Now I'm wondering if others are no longer there because they too were not satisfied with the boxing equipment. The gym and the washrooms downstairs are seldom cleaned on a regular basis, so I have to factor that participants probably notice that, too. Steve is always bringing up that attendance numbers are down in the program. I tried to point out that the look of the gym is one of the reasons why. I guess I have to at least give Pedro credit for voicing his opinion. <br />
<br />
In addition to Juan leaving the class before the fall session began, another teen, Bryant, has chosen to do the same. During a courtesy call, I made when Bryant didn't show up the first day of class, his mom revealed that her son wanted to "take a break". A break from a class that was never attended? How does that work? The real reason is that Bryant is also signed up in basketball, and like most youths at the field house, the team sports are favored over individual sports like boxing. I told his mom that Bryant was being withdrawn from the class and could sign up for the winter session. Yet I know that registration will never happen. <br /><br />My patience with people is becoming shorter by the day. David and his parents have a habit of waiting until the class begins to register. I no longer will leave in the middle of a class to take 20 minutes to sign people up. It doesn't matter that I have a volunteer who can watch the room while I'm upstairs. People need to pay attention to start dates. David has been in the boxing program on-and-off for three years, and his parents should know the drill by this time. I told them to show up a half-hour early before the class, but instead, David shows up with two of his cousins and a couple of his aunts five minutes before the first class was to start. The aunts complained to Steve that I was being rude because I did not want to delay the start of that class to accommodate them.<br />
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Of course, Steve backed them up using the tired, "The customer is always right", routine. I had to sign them up, but I let the aunts know that they were lucky that no one did show up for the first class of the day. David still would have had to wait to register. On top of that, David's dad still does not want his son to fight. David is also still in swimming, this time for five days of the week. Only a half-hour of the class is boxing done before David runs off in the middle of it to go down to the pool. There was also no awareness that the class is now Monday thru Friday instead of Tuesday thru Saturday. I had explained that to David's mom several times. <i> "I'm sick of this place today,"</i> I thought to myself.<br />
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-746488511989072422019-09-10T00:39:00.000-05:002019-09-10T00:39:39.477-05:00Fall Feast and Famine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Just as I predicted would happen, someone showed up in the middle of class on the first day of the fall session to register for the boxing class. David was that person. But I'm no longer going to disrupt the class to spend 20 minutes to sign up anyone. I told David and his mom to either show up before class to sign up or go to the next closest field house to sign up if they can't make it down to LaFollette Park early enough. David's cousin decided not to come back to class. Can't say I was heartbroken about that.<br />
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Juan dropped out of the teen class. Someone offered him what sounds like a poor deal to train at a private gym. Sahia and I were the last to be told of Juan's schedule change. I learned that Juan's dad had continued to complain about lack of equipment at LaFollette Park despite being told that a public gym has a limited budget. So I guess Pedro got his wish to have his son at what he believes is a better gym. But young, decent fighters are often lured into private gyms to be shark bait for other fighters those gyms want to build up and promote. I hope Juan doesn't get hurt.<br />
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Both the kids and the teen class were empty today. Depending on what time I have available, and how I feel, I may or may not make courtesy calls to remind people that the fall session has started.<br />
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The adult class with Shay, C.C., and Virginia was the best class of the day. Alex, who is also signed up for that class, will come in tomorrow, as his birthday happened to fall on the first day of class. Of course, Shay, Sahia's daughter, has been in the class before. C.C. and Virginia were showing some decent skills. They are mainly interested in getting in shape. <br />
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A speed bag platform broke off from one of the heavy bag stands. Luckily it was discovered before it might have fallen on someone. It'll have to be replaced, but that won't happen soon. There never seems to be a budget for anything I need to run the boxing program. I haven't received any new equipment for at least three years. <div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>Hillarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00842127072237864050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16593597.post-29523780423792133122019-08-29T23:19:00.000-05:002019-08-29T23:19:32.063-05:00Throwing Down At Eckhart Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I can't call out instructions while I'm judging a fight. But tonight at Eckhart Park's boxing show, I wish I could have during one fight. One kid kept dropping his hands and not staying on his toes. Each and every time the other kid saw an opening, they took it. Of course, the other kid won.<br />
<br />
Shifty mentioned that a fight between a brother and a sister was probably the first time that happened at a park district boxing show. The girl won. She kept tagging her brother with rights and left. Her brother didn't have much in the way of defense. Both kids were from Ogden Park. I couldn't help but wonder if the girl won most of the fights she and her brother may have gotten into at home.<br />
<br />
Melanie, who fights out of Loyola Park, had a tough time with her opponent, a woman from Humboldt Park, during the first round. The woman kept coming at her with straight punches and hooks to the body. In the second and third rounds, Melanie used her tall height and her long reach to her advantage. Every time the woman charged in, Melanie had something waiting for her. Alan kept telling Melanie to "stick her". Melanie won her fight, which was the last of the evening.<br />
<br />
Only six fights took place. Bessemer, Brooks, Loyola, Humboldt, Harrison, and Ogden were the parks that were represented. George from Garfield Park was there, but I don't know how many fighters he had with him. None of them got matches. I had no one with me as usual. <br />
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Portage Park is where the next boxing show will be held, but I may skip that one. It takes place three days after the fall season begins at LaFollette. I'd rather not close up the gym on that day, especially if I have a crowd of new people that week. <br />
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