Fire Truck Sparkle, A Overcompensated Piece of Pizza, and a Touch of Guilt For the Fourth (The Motivations of Firefighting)

(Illustrative Only)

There is almost always
just that one
person that
shows up when 
dinner is served.
On this day
it was me!😬

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, many fire departments will be bringing their trucks out for community events so kids—and maybe a few future firefighters—can point, clap, look in amazement and check out some seriously impressive equipment.

Last week, firefighters spent hours washing, scrubbing, and polishing the trucks until they practically sparkled. Impressive! They did an incredible job, and the rigs looked parade-ready (Some of firefighting is maintenance, maintaining, and cleaning.).

I had every intention of helping. Really, I did. 😳🙈 (I did....really!) Unfortunately, I was directing a small piece in a theater show and busy casting the crew. By the time I sprinted over to the station, the trucks were spotless, the hoses were put away, and everyone was... eating pizza. So I missed the work and I feel a touch guilt about that but I did try and make the best of the situation ( I really did!). 

Somehow, despite contributing absolutely nothing to the truck washing effort, I still managed to secure a slice of pizza. If there were an Olympic event for "arriving just in time for free food," I might have a medal by now. I briefly considered offering to dirty up a truck so I could wash it, but everyone seemed pretty satisfied with the finished product.

The experience also reminded me why so many people are drawn to firefighting. It's about much more than responding to emergencies. Firefighters spend countless hours training, maintaining equipment, working out, and serving their communities. A recent study below found that many younger firefighters enjoy the challenge, the physical activity, and yes, a little bit of the adrenaline that comes with emergency response.

But the biggest reward isn't the excitement—it's the people. Fire departments build friendships that often feel like kin. There's a real sense of pride in serving your community, learning new skills, and knowing your team has your back when it matters most. Whether you're a career firefighter, paid-on-call, or a volunteer, those relationships last far beyond the fire station.

If you'd like to support a great volunteer fire department in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, donations help purchase rescue equipment—such as hydraulic rescue tools (the "Jaws of Life")—and provide training for the many new firefighters joining the department. Just send me a message, and I'll point you in the right direction.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I should probably burn off those "volunteer appreciation" pizza calories that I definitely didn't earn. I'll call it cardio... with a side of guilt.

Volunteer Motivation in Firefighting Organisations: A Case of the Slovenian Firefighters Association

• The study examined the motivations of 244 volunteer firefighters from 22 Slovenian fire brigades to better understand the factors that influence recruitment and long-term retention.
• Firefighters were strongly motivated by challenging emergency work, controlled risk, and opportunities for physical activity, although interest in adrenaline-based tasks declined with age.
• Gender differences were observed, with men generally preferring action-oriented emergency tasks, while women placed slightly greater value on social relationships and camaraderie within the brigade.
• Volunteers who experienced participative leadership and felt included in organizational decision-making demonstrated stronger commitment and were more likely to remain active members.
• The findings suggest that volunteer fire organizations can improve recruitment and retention by tailoring strategies to different age groups, recognizing diverse motivational factors, and fostering supportive, inclusive leadership practices.

Kozjek, T., Zorec Klemenčič, U., & Umek, L. (2025). Volunteer motivation in firefighting organisations: A case of the Slovenian Firefighters Association. Fire, 8(6), 220. https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8060220

Wing on Wing Sailing: Escanaba Yacht Club Race July 1st 2026

Photography is a hobby
so if you are interested
in any of my pictures
send me a message to the right.
Some are gallery worthy
while others are up 
to the beholder. :)
This one is not in the gallery.
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It was a hot day, but being out on the water made it feel much cooler and more refreshing. A light breeze created perfect conditions for sailing in nothing more than a T-shirt (Some like performance long sleeve shirts for the sun.). Wing on wing sailing is the topic as the boats rounded the # 8 bouy. 

The race went very well overall. At times, the wind became light and unpredictable, while at other points it settled into a steady breeze that kept the sails drawing nicely. One section of the course, between the 8 buoy and the lighthouse, required wing on wing—sailing directly downwind. In this point of sail, the mainsail is positioned on one side of the boat while the jib or spinnaker is set on the opposite side, creating a "T" shape. Even the slightest wind shift can cause the boom—the pole thing at the bottom of the mainsail—to swing unexpectedly, making it one of the more challenging maneuvers, even for experienced sailors.

The weather could not have been much better. Although rain had been forecast, it never materialized, and the afternoon turned out to be beautiful. After returning to the harbor, the crews secured their boats and put away their gear before gathering together to enjoy a simple meal and good conversation, providing a fitting end to a great time on the water.

(Illustrative Only)
Main sail goes on one side,
the jib or spinnaker goes
on the other side
because the wind
is directly behind
the vessel. 

Todd pushes
 against the boom
to maximize
wind capture. 

Sailing Poem on Boom

Wing-to-wing
the wind has died,

Pushing on the
boom to maintain
the ride.

We tack and I
move to the other side.
🫢😬
(I didn't say I
was a good 
poet. 🙃)

The lifestyle is
pretty good around 
here with 
lots of outdoor
recreation. 
 

Other Sailing Information:

I heard through the grapevine that the Gladstone Yacht Club did an outstanding job hosting members of the Escanaba Yacht Club during the Saturday 27th, 2026 Gladstone Race & Rendezvous (I had a charity golf outing and couldn't attend.). From everything I've heard, everyone was welcoming, excited, and made the event a success (It would be nice to have more boats from other areas so it may be helpful to put events on regional calendars.).

It would be wonderful to see even more collaboration between the two yacht clubs and the sailing school to raise awareness of local sailing. (Thinking broadly there may be an opportunity to highlight the value of the local nautical industry all together. 🤔We have ship repair, sailing, nautical equipment, a number of marinas, commercial shipping, commercial fishing, schools, etc..) . Working together could further strengthen local tourism, support economic development, and enhance the overall quality of life in our community. Sometimes promoting clubs leads to longer tail events for others. 

One of our greatest assets is the incredible natural environment we call home. The beauty of our waterfront and access to Lake Michigan (and nature) are experiences that many people never have the opportunity to enjoy. By continuing to build partnerships and promote sailing and waterfront activities, we can make our community even more attractive to visitors and residents alike.

Stoll Race brought sailboats from Esky, Gladstone, Marquette (They have a pretty good running article series so stay tuned and join the paper)

History:

Photography is a hobby
so if you are interested
in any of my pictures
send me a message to the right.
Some are gallery worthy
while others are up 
to the beholder. :)
This one is debatable whether
it should be in the gallery
but I kept it for
now just in case
it gets any interest.
I can print most pictures up to
poster size for $50
Frame or Unframed. 50% for charity
and 50% for me.
Send me a message to the right
or my email.
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UPTravel Maritime

The Upper Peninsula’s Great Lakes Shipwrecks: Heroic Stories, Boat Tours and Dive Sites

Wing-on-Wing Sailing: A Practical Guide to Efficient Downwind Sailing

• Wing-on-wing sailing positions the mainsail and headsail on opposite sides of the boat, allowing sailors to maximize sail area and improve efficiency when sailing directly downwind.
• Using a whisker pole helps hold the headsail in place, reduces sail collapse, and improves performance, particularly in light or variable wind conditions.
• Proper sail trim and careful steering are essential for maintaining boat speed and preventing the sails from collapsing as wind direction changes.
• Safety is a primary consideration, as accidental jibes can be dangerous; using a boom preventer and remaining attentive to wind shifts helps reduce the risk.

North Sails. (n.d.). Wing on wing (Part 2). https://www.northsails.com/en-us/blogs/north-sails-blog/wing-on-wing-2

2026 Global Talent Shortage-72% of Employers in 41 Countries Expected Talent Shortages

Human capital remains one of the most valuable assets in today's economy. While technology continues to evolve, markets shift, geopolitical events reshape industries, and new digital platforms emerge, organizations still rely on people to drive innovation, solve problems, and build meaningful relationships.

Increasingly, the workforce is moving away from routine, process-driven tasks and toward roles that emphasize creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and human-to-human interaction. These uniquely human capabilities are becoming more valuable as automation and artificial intelligence assume a greater share of repetitive work.

The findings from the study below reinforce this trend. According to ManpowerGroup's 2026 Global Talent Shortage Survey, 72% of employers across 41 countries report difficulty filling open positions. That statistic represents both a challenge for employers and a tremendous opportunity for education and workforce development to help close critical skill gaps.

It is also one reason I support the continued growth of mobile and flexible education. Learning that can occur anytime and anywhere aligns well with today's workforce, particularly younger generations who have grown up in a connected, data-rich, and increasingly virtual environment. Educational models that are adaptable, accessible, and responsive to changing market demands will play an important role in preparing tomorrow's workforce.

Take a few minutes to read the study below. It offers valuable insights into the evolving relationship between human capital, workforce development, and the future of work.

2026 Global Talent Shortage

• ManpowerGroup's 2026 Global Talent Shortage Survey found that 72% of employers across 41 countries reported difficulty filling open positions, reflecting a modest improvement from the previous year but continuing global hiring challenges.
• Artificial intelligence capabilities became the most difficult skills to recruit for, with AI model and application development and AI literacy surpassing traditional engineering and IT skills for the first time.
• Human-centered competencies remain highly valued. Employers continue to prioritize communication, collaboration, professionalism, work ethic, adaptability, and a willingness to learn alongside technical expertise.
• Talent shortages vary significantly by country. Germany, France, and the United Kingdom reported some of the highest levels of hiring difficulty, while the United States remained slightly below the global average and China reported comparatively fewer shortages.
• Organizations are increasingly responding by investing in employee upskilling, AI literacy, flexible workforce strategies, and hiring for long-term potential rather than focusing solely on existing technical qualifications.

ManpowerGroup. (2026). 2026 global talent shortage. https://www.manpowergroup.com/en/insights/2026-global-talent-shortage

Elevate Your Space with Nautical and Patriotic Decor (Escanaba Harbor Art Photography)

Escanaba Harbor

I can print most pictures up to
poster size for $50
Frame or Unframed. I do
this as a hobby so 50% for charity
and 50% for me.
Send me a message to the right
or my email.
You may check out My Gallery
and Art Page 

If you're looking for a unique piece of artwork, consider this photograph of the Escanaba Harbor at sunset. The rich colors of the evening sky created a beautiful scene, and I was fortunate to capture it at just the right moment.

With the Fourth of July approaching, this image also carries a subtle patriotic feel.

Feel free to browse the other photographs in my gallery. If you're interested in purchasing a print, simply send me a message using the contact form to the right.

Prints are available in a variety of sizes, with pricing that includes professional printing and delivery. Let me know the size you're looking for, and I'll be happy to provide a quote. Send a message to the right.

This photograph makes an attractive display piece for an office, reception area, or business, while showcasing the natural beauty of Escanaba Harbor.

While looking up how to improve your home decor with art I came across this piece which goes into specific depth. There are some tips and ideas in the article. 

Why Art-Inspired Home Décor Elevates Your Space

• Art-inspired home décor transforms living spaces into personalized environments that reflect an individual's identity, creativity, and personal story rather than simply following design trends.
• Incorporating artwork into the home can improve psychological well-being by reducing stress, enhancing mood, encouraging emotional expression, and creating a more inviting atmosphere.

• 

  (Illustrative Only)
  
  This picture helps to envision.
  
  This might look good in your
  yacht club, office, restaurant,
  or hotel. 

  Different artistic styles, such as Modernism, Art Deco, Abstract Expressionism, and Minimalism, provide homeowners with diverse options to create unique and meaningful interior spaces.
• Thoughtfully selected statement pieces can serve as conversation starters, express cultural heritage, and even become collectible investments with long-term aesthetic and financial value.
• Successful art-based decorating requires balance by avoiding common mistakes such as overcrowding spaces, mismatched colors, improper scaling of artwork, and overly themed designs.

Art-O-Rama Shop. (2026, February 1). Why art-inspired home décor elevates your space. https://artoramashop.com/blogs/news/why-art-inspired-home-decor

Effective Management Decision Making Leads to Organizational Excellence

Companies are only as strong as the people they hire. Every organization is a collective of individuals, ideas, knowledge, effort, and motivation. When an organization has a structure that allows it to thrive and its people are well aligned with market needs, their ability to make sound decisions has a direct impact on the organization's long-term success.

Every member of an organization has some level of decision-making authority. As individuals move higher within the organizational hierarchy, the expectations for their decision-making increase, along with the scope and influence of those decisions. Strong decisions can create significant opportunities for growth and competitive advantage, while poor decisions can have lasting negative consequences. Success or failure depend on thousands of large and small decisions over a course of time.

This reinforces the importance of hiring the best people possible—those with the strongest skills, knowledge, and potential. Organizations should seek the best talent available rather than relying solely on individuals who are already within their social or professional networks. Diverse perspectives and expertise often lead to better decisions and stronger organizational outcomes.

The study below emphasizes that sound management decision-making is essential for organizational excellence. Effective decisions are built on a combination of careful analysis, prior experience, intuition, strategic thinking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Leaders who encourage open communication and leverage the expertise of those around them are better equipped to make informed decisions. Organizations should also foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, ensuring that managers have access to the information and insights needed to make well-informed decisions in an ever-changing business environment.

Effective Management Decision Making and Organisational Excellence: A Theoretical Review

• The article examines how effective management decision-making contributes to organizational excellence by reviewing existing research rather than collecting new empirical data. It argues that sound decision-making is essential for organizational survival and long-term competitiveness.
• The authors explain that effective decisions combine rational analysis, experience, intuition, and collaboration while avoiding common decision traps such as overconfidence, anchoring, sunk-cost bias, and resistance to change.
• Organizational excellence is described as the result of strong leadership, continuous improvement, customer focus, innovation, teamwork, knowledge management, and effective resource management. These elements help organizations consistently exceed stakeholder expectations.
• The review highlights that collaborative decision-making, employee involvement, and stakeholder engagement improve organizational performance. Managers who encourage innovation and adapt to changing business environments are more likely to achieve sustained excellence.
• The authors conclude that effective management decision-making is a critical driver of organizational success and recommend that leaders continuously embrace innovation, improve customer satisfaction, and strengthen teamwork to remain competitive in dynamic markets.

Asikhia, O., Ogunode, O., Oladipo, S., & Fatoke, O. V. (2021). Effective management decision making and organisational excellence: A theoretical review. The International Journal of Business & Management, 9(1), 144–150. https://doi.org/10.24940/theijbm/2021/v9/i1/BM2101-049

Community Theater and Duck Variations Move Beyond Entertainment and into Social Competencies (A Meta Analysis)

The opportunity to direct a production is something I've been looking forward to. This show, The Duck Variations, brings together about 13 directors, each responsible for casting two actors and presenting a unique interpretation of the same material. I was fortunate to cast two seasoned performers whom I've worked with before, so I'm confident they'll bring both talent and experience to the stage.

(Illustrative Only)
Representing
a guy
directing a show. 

Each performance will last only a couple of minutes, but every director will present a slightly different variation, giving audiences an opportunity to compare styles, creative choices, and interpretations. It's a friendly competition among directors, with everyone trying to create something memorable and distinctive.

Although I've been involved in theater before and have directed educational, training and promotional videos, this project is especially exciting because it is purely community theater. It's an experience I'd like to continue, as community theater provides a wonderful creative outlet while bringing people together. But there is much more...

Beyond entertainment, theater also has measurable educational and professional benefits. The research study below highlights that participation in theater can significantly strengthen social competencies, including communication, empathy, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. These findings are consistent with other research showing that theatrical experiences help individuals develop emotional intelligence and improve their ability to work effectively with others.

For aspiring executives, entrepreneurs, and business professionals, theater may be an unexpected but valuable form of professional development. The skills developed on stage—public speaking, customer interaction, negotiation, teamwork, adaptability, and reading social cues—are directly applicable to leadership and organizational success. This also suggests that theater techniques have potential as innovative training tools in business and executive education.

Community theater may be volunteer-driven, but the commitment is anything but casual. The performers and directors dedicate countless hours to perfecting their craft, often producing performances comparable to much larger productions with far greater budgets. Their motivation comes from a genuine passion for theater rather than financial reward.

As for my production, my two actors probably won't receive much more compensation than pizza for their efforts, but together we'll create something enjoyable for the audience and rewarding for everyone involved.

Organizations like our local community Players de Noc deserve community support. Donations help sustain programs that enrich local culture, develop valuable life and leadership skills, enhance tourism, improve quality of life, and create opportunities for people of all ages to participate in the performing arts. As a nonprofit organization, contributions are generally tax-deductible, making support an investment in both the arts and the community itself.

Players de Noc Webpage

Players de Noc Facebook

The Impact of Theatre on Social Competencies: A Meta-Analytic Evaluation

• Examined 21 studies involving 4,064 participants to evaluate the effects of theatre-based interventions on social competencies across diverse populations.
• Found significant improvements in empathy, social communication, tolerance, and social interactions among participants who actively engaged in theatre activities.
• Social communication showed the strongest improvement, while tolerance demonstrated a smaller but still positive effect.
• Did not find sufficient evidence that theatre participation consistently improves self-concept or self-esteem across studies.
• Concluded that theatre interventions are an effective tool for developing interpersonal and social skills and that both randomized and non-randomized studies produced comparable findings, supporting the robustness of the evidence.

Lewandowska, K., & Węziak-Białowolska, D. (2023). The impact of theatre on social competencies: A meta-analytic evaluation. Arts & Health, 15(3), 306–337. https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2022.2130947

What is GRACE (Granting Rollover Access and Contribution Extensions) for Military Survivors Act?

Changes to veterans' benefits and military-related legislation occur regularly, making it important for veterans, their families, and community organizations to stay informed. Government policies can significantly influence a veteran's post-military life, affecting benefits, healthcare, education, and financial planning. Keeping up with legislative developments helps individuals understand how new laws may impact them and allows organizations that support veterans to advocate effectively.

The legislation discussed below extends the period for certain survivor benefits after a veteran's death from one year to three years. This additional time gives eligible beneficiaries an opportunity to transfer or roll over funds into an appropriate account, helping preserve important financial benefits during a difficult time.

Supporting our veterans remains an important responsibility. The men and women who served our country did so honorably, and ensuring they receive the benefits and assistance they have earned reflects our commitment to their service and sacrifice.

GRACE (Granting Rollover Access and Contribution Extensions) for Military Survivors Act,

The bill extends the contribution period for military death benefits to Roth IRAs and Coverdell accounts from one to three years, applying to amounts received after enactment and retroactively to amounts received since October 7, 2001, if contributions are made within the new timeframe.It aims to support military survivors' savings options.

Supported by, 

American Legion, American Veterans (AMVETS), Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Gold Star Spouses of America, Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN), National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS), United Services Automobile Association (USAA), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Veterans Survivor Coalition, Vietnam Veterans of America, and With Honor Action.

Other Literature:

New bill would extend military survivor benefit decision deadline

Federal legislation introduced to extend benefits to military survivors

Document Overview: H.R. 9489

• Congress: 119th Congress, 2nd Session

• Date Introduced: June 25, 2026

• Sponsor: Mr. Thompson of California

• Co-Sponsors: Mr. Steube, Mr. Vargas, Mr. Bergman, Mr. Ellzey, Ms. Norton, Mr. Buchanan, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Harrigan, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Mrs. Kiggans of Virginia, and Mr. Thanedar.

• Referred To: Committee on Ways and Means

Official Title: A Bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the time period for the contribution of military death benefits to Roth IRAs and Coverdell education savings accounts.

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Section 1. Short Title

This Act may be cited as the "GRACE for Military Survivors Act".

Section 2. Extension of Time Period for Contribution of Military Death Benefits

• (a) In General: Sections $408A(e)(2)(A)$ and $530(d)(9)(A)$ of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 are amended by striking "1-year period" and inserting "3-year period".

(b) Effective Dates

• (1) In General: Except as provided in paragraph (2), these amendments apply to amounts received under section 1477 of title 10, United States Code, or section 1967 of title 38 of such Code, on or after the date of enactment.

• (2) Retroactive Application (Amounts received between October 7, 2001, and Enactment): The amendments apply to contributions made with respect to amounts received on or after October 7, 2001, and before the date of enactment, if the contribution is made before the later of:

  • (A) 3 years after the date on which the amounts were received, or

  • (B) 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

If you need help drafting a summary, a press release, or an analysis of how these changes impact military families compared to current tax law, just let me know!