A Bad Dream

A Bad Dream

By Sharon Brunner

A loud knock at my bedroom door awoke me from a deep slumber. I cracked the door slightly to peak out into the hallway. A purple and white hue emanated from the front door and then there was another loud knock.  I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin as the hair stood up on the back of my neck.  I looked out the window and nobody was at my front door.  There were no foot prints in the snow. My heart was pounding against my chest.  The bins of mittens started falling from the cabinet by the door.  I walked quietly as to not goad the spirits that were visiting me during these wee hours of the morning.  I wish I was zeeing and this was only a dream.  My neck crooned around the living room doorway as I tried to see if the coast was clear. My nerves were raw . I started chewing mint flavored gum like a cow chews on her cud to release some of my tension. 

I nervously picked the lint off my bathrobe.  Milt, my dog, was glued to my side.  He was so well behaved since he graduated from dog obedience school. His tail was not wagging. I am so glad I found him when I was visiting that slum.  He was eating coleslaw out a Styrofoam container.  You could see Milt’s bones as they protruded from his ribcage. 

I turned all the lights on in the living room.  I knew I was going to be up for the evening.  I thumbed through a mag nervously.  I couldn’t call Barry because he was in California surfing.  Who could I call? I don’t want to stay alone, I am so scared.  Studying the paranormal for as long I have has brought this into my life.  I know it.  Barry tried to talk me out of doing this type of work.  I wouldn’t listen.  I found the scary creatures of the night to be very interesting.  I tried to turn the doorknob to the basement a tod.  It wouldn’t turn.  I backed up and the door opened by itself. The basement steps creaked as I walked down into the basement.

A large dark bird was staring at me through the basement window. A glim radiated from the far wall. A bint’s face appeared.  The face appeared sad and it looked like the face of my long departed grandmother.  She was glum and her lips began moving.  The words that came out of her mouth were “Leave the ghosts alone.” Sounds of rends were heard from the window.  The bird was running his beak across the pane of glass.  Startled I ran up the stairs, tripping over the umbrella that was left strewn on the rug.  Dazed, I felt as if a stint was placed over me.   What a quag I was in, I stumbled over to the sofa.  Before I collapsed on the sofa, I noticed my reflection in the big mirror.  I noticed that the Greek letters xi were written on my forehead in blood. 

I was awoken by Milt licking my face.  He was sitting on my chest staring down at me.  He was a small dog, a Yorkshire terrier.

“Oh good, it was only a dream,” were the first words that came out of my mouth.

I felt weak as I stood up.  The door to the basement was left opened.   I slammed it shut.

I saw that all the lights were left on in all the rooms in my home.  I entered the bathroom and looked in the mirror.  The letters xi were written on my forehead. 

Note:  this short story was developed by using words developed during an Up Words game.  I challenge you to play a game of scrabble or Up Words and write a poem or a short story by using the words you came up with.

An Elder's Pledge

We will not be judged by the values of youth.

We will not be expelled from work or play.

We will not equate aging with illness.

We will not be reduced to the subject matter for experts.

We will not be the objects of condescension.

We will not be defined as a social or economic problem.

We will not be trivialized.

We will not be docile.

We will not be deterred.

We will grow and learn.

We will maintain a sense of humor.

We will support one another.

We will cooperate across generations to create a better world.

We will nurture and guide the young.

We will contribute according to our abilities.

We will be proud to be the age we have achieved.

 

Source:  Unknown

 

The Chippewa Correctional Facility Blues

On March 20, 2013 Dennis Brooks, Corrections Program Coordinator, provided a presentation to the Lake Superior Elders.  It was a stormy day, however, ten elders made it to this session.  I drove in a snow storm to attend.  It was clear on the way home.  Dennis started the presentation by providing us with a disclaimer, disclaiming that anything he says is in no way a reflection of the Michigan Department of Corrections.  He went on to say that he found the prison system to be the most negative atmosphere he has ever experienced and he has to walk through eight locked doors to get to his office. There are 2,300 inmates housed at this prison facility.  Dennis puts his life on the line every day he works at the prison. 

What he provides are babysitting services.  The rationale behind the services he provides is to wear out the prisoners so they won’t get into so much trouble.  Extracurricular activities are offered and classifications for prisoners determine whether the prisoner is placed in a work setting or school.  They get paid to be in the work and school program.  If I remember right, it is a little over one dollar a day. College courses are not offered; but the prisoners are permitted to obtain a GED. He works at the lowest security level which is level two.  Level one was closed down a while ago with very little notice in the attempt to save money.  There was a discussion about the top heaviness of the prison system. It costs $35,000 to house one prisoner for one year.  Dennis agreed and reported that the prison system in Michigan uses a lot of state’s budget. 

Chippewa Correctional Facility Staffing includes:

Administration: 24

Custody Staff:  322

Housing Staff: 22

Business Office Staff:  7

Food Service Staff: 18

Warehouse/Quartermaster Staff:  6

Programming/Education Staff:  28 

Dennis described the sleeping quarters at the area he works at. Eight men share a room with four sets of bunks, the bottom bunk is considered the Cadillac of bunks.  There no doors and the walls are 4 feet high (that didn’t make sense to me).  Roll call is conducted three to four times a day.  Dennis to add humor and make sense of what prison life is like compared the life of a prisoner to the life of a housewife.  Prison life looked more favorable such as they get their laundry done for them, whereas a housewife washes her own and everybody else’s in the household.

Then later on he explained that they only get to walk around the yard one hour per day and the yard is very small.  The prisoners are sequestered to their rooms a lot during the day.  Their diet consists of 1,200 calories per day and there is a two week menu that repeats itself.  For example, hot dogs are served on Tuesdays.  There is a garden on the property; however, the prisoners do not eat what is grown in the garden. Dennis didn’t know why they didn’t eat the produce grown in the garden.

Since the inmates did not take care of themselves properly before they were incarcerated, they have a lot of medical needs after they are incarcerated.  The inmates pay a $5 co-pay for medical services.  Dentists and doctors visit the prison once in a while.  The inmates cannot arrange for dental services until they are due for the next cleaning; however, the slots are often filled so they have to wait until one opens and it may take a couple of years to get their teeth cleaned. They are supposed to obtain services every six months; but the system does not allow it.  There is a nurse on staff 24/7.

A Jay Pay (spelling?) account is set up for the inmates to take care of their needs and some of their wants within reason.  The inmates get paid for work services and some have family members and friends on the outside who have put money in their accounts. They have access to computers to place their orders. 

Various other topics discussed were the religious services such as Wiccan and the segregation between African Americans and Euro-Americans, a very distinct division. There are gangs and they symbolize what gang they belong to by wearing handkerchiefs of different colors.  They change the colors on an ongoing basis so they cannot be tracked by the guards or other gangs.  Speaking of the guards some take their problems out on the inmates by treating them horribly. 

“The inmates are very creative with some of the things they try to get away with and if they channeled that energy into good things just think what they could accomplish,” Dennis stated.  That’s so true.  Another point he made was about the nice personalities of pedophiles.  We would be okay with having them over for dinner, they are that nice.  They have to be to get children to do what they want them to do.  There are prisoners who are incarcerated more than once, they are given a letter starting with the letter “a” by their name and/or number that represents how many times they were in prison. The highest one he was aware of was a “g.”

Some of the services are conducive to what the needs of the inmates are such as cage rage which Dennis provides to the prisoners.  Most of the needs of the inmates are met and many of the inmates grin and bear it when they are mistreated because some of the guards are power hungry.  He treats the inmates with respect at all times.  Dennis added humor to the presentation as much as possible; but also reminded the elders that being in prison cannot be equated to a walk in the park.  Some of the inmates are not trustworthy. Some of the guards are not to be trusted also and take advantage of the prisoners. One of the prisoners actually killed his girlfriend twice and he was recently paroled. He strangled her and then shot her. The prison system in this state leaves a lot to be desired and some of the costs need to be in question.  It is a system set up to create a lot of high paying jobs and these jobs can be somewhat dangerous as a person said once boredom is associated with instantaneous dangerous situations for the employees. As far as I understand, it can be the same for the inmates.

 

 

 

 

Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers was established in the area of Sault Ste. Marie around the 1990s.  A presentation was given to the Lake Superior Elders on March 13, 2013. Joe Shier, a police officer from St. Ignace, was involved in Crime Stoppers since its inception.  During the 1980s a detective decided when working on a homicide that there needed to be a mechanism to secure leads to help solve crimes and the people giving the tips could be paid for these tips. This program is aimed at reducing crime in our neighborhoods.  It empowers people to make their neighborhoods, schools, and businesses safer through anonymous reporting of crime.  As an incentive, anonymous tipsters can receive a cash reward if there’s an arrest based on their information.  If law enforcement already has a viable suspect, there won’t be an award. 

There were lots of illegal drug tips a while ago, this tapered off, and not these reports are increasing.  Problems with prescription drugs is on the increase.  Pharmacies work with law enforcement to get a handle on this problem.  The elders were instructed to find out when the drop off times are being held to drop off the prescription drugs they are no longer using.  Law enforcement will dispose of the drugs.

The reward amounts can range from $50 to hundreds and possibly thousands.  In most cases rewards are paid out within two weeks. In order to collect your reward, you call the Tip Line or Submit a Tip on line and you receive a code number, only if your tip leads to solving the crime, confiscation of drugs or weapons, you will receive an award.  A balance is set up between the citizens and law enforcement so the board representing Crime Stoppers is made up of citizens, non-police residents.  The size of the award is determined by how valuable the tip is. 

Crime Stoppers advertises their services by giving out pens and pencils at public events.  The group holds one major fundraiser a year, the plan is to hold a fire truck pull which may be held in conjunction with the October Fest.  A crime of the week is placed in the local newspaper weekly.  Crime Stoppers is listed in school publications annually and other community publications. 

Why call Crime Stoppers?  If you are concerned about what might happen to you if you talk to the police.  You may be concerned about serving as a witness in court.  There are no personal details shared about you and no caller identification.  Your information can make a difference.  It can help solve existing investigations or bring light to unknown criminal activity. 

What does it mean to be anonymous?

·         You will never be asked your name and your information will not be made public.

·         Your call is not recorded.

·         Your call or online form will not be traced.

·         You will not have to make a statement to the police.

·         You will not appear in court.

Mr. Shier stated that they would rather lose a case then expose the identity of the tipster.  The people at Crime Stoppers do everything to protect the identity of the tipster.

A report will be completed from what you report.  You can reach the call center for Sault Ste. Marie, MI at 1-800-465-7867. This service is provided by staff located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario in Canada.  Both cities work together.   

Many of these organizations scattered throughout Michigan work diligently to protect the elderly.  Senior citizens continue to be widely targeted for various crimes and are the least able to protect themselves.  These programs are geared at helping seniors live their lives with the greatest degree of safety and security.

A new coordinator was hired in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.  This person has been on sick leave and once he’s back things will be back to normal reported one of the Crime Stoppers’ representatives at the presentation.  

Crime Stoppers in this area has provided services as far as Marquette; but normally it is involved in the Luce, Mackinac and Chippewa Counties.  People often report out of civic duty; however, some people are in it for the greed. Many of the awards were never picked up. There is a need for more board members, twelve serve on the board at this time. There are three unfilled positions.  The board meets once a month.  Crime Stoppers have led to many arrests. 

The History and Uses of Lavender

On Feb. 27^th, Bev Youngs gave a presentation covering the history and uses of lavender for the Lake Superior Elders. Lavender is one of the oldest documented herbs in history.  It was used as a freshener in the castles.  They would sprinkle it on the floors to make things smell fresher. The lavender would be replaced when it got old.  In 1600 Queen Elizabeth drank a lot of lavender tea for relief of migraine headaches.  It was used to dress war wounds.  During the 19^th century it was used to treat cerebral palsy and it was used to treat depression.  Used as a fragrance today.  Cookies were served during this presentation that had a little lavender sprinkled on them.  There are cook book entitled “Cooking with Lavender.”  Mostly sweets but there are five recipes for main entrees that include lamb and duck.

In Boyne City, there is a lavender farm in which they grow 30 types of lavender.  Bev can grow three kinds successful.  The plant requires a Mediterranean style of climate, hot and dry.  It likes to grow in sandy ground with gravel.  The plants will rot if the ground is too moist.  It’s a stocky bushy plant that is best harvested early when the little tips are in flower.  Cut the stocks and hang it upside down in a bunch using a rubber band to secure the bunch.  Prune it in late summer.

Uses of lavender:

Throw on your carpet to freshen the carpet

Weave it after it is dried

Make baskets

Tie a bunch with a ribbon

Use it in tea (make sure to strain it with a fuser)

Make wreaths (use gray moss and wrap it with wire on a wreath wire)

Can freeze it in ice cubes

Use a hankerchief and tie it for a sachet

Make sachets

Can use it as a potpourri

How to keep the color so true is to not leave it in the light and store it in a plastic box. 

Are You Superstitious?

As the Greeks Say......

Luck

Use the same door when entering and leaving someone else's home. To not do so, invites bad lock on impending matters such as a marriage proposal or a business deal.

Put a coin of precious metal in a new house, new car, or in a safe place such as a newborns crib for good fortune.

Preventing Misfortune: 

Jinxing

Do not spoil it good thing by breaking are predicting success. Overconfidence can bring failure. If you post that had a time you may fail. Even in ancient times, myth had it that the Gods chastised men if they became too arrogant. When the triumphant Agamemnon returned home as a conquering hero from the Trojan war, he walked on a purple carpet reserved only for the Gods. His arrogance of fended them, lending to his downfall. 

Dreams

Bad dreams mean something good will happen. Good dreams mean bad things are on the way. If you're barefoot in your dream your worries will be relieved. If you dream of red you will hear news right away.

Knock on Wood

Knocking on wood to keep things from going wrong. This is a cousin to the idea of jinxing. If you must predict that something will go well for example, “it looks like the sun will shine for the wedding.”  Knock on wood several times to keep the rain away. This custom may have religious origins. Many early Christians carried pieces of wood believed to be part of the original cross.  When in danger they touch the wood, receiving God's protection.

Evil Eye

Contrary to popular opinion the evil eye is recognized by the Eastern Orthodox Church as legitimate religious phenomenon.  It is part of a larger picture of evil generated by the devil. A popular full method for determining if someone has been cursed by the evil eye is to put three drops of olive oil and a glass of water. If the oil stays separate from the water you are not cursed. If the oil blends with the water you have been cursed.

A folk remedy employed by the Greeks to dispel the evil eye is a ritual prayer, that is passed on orally. The pair cannot be written, or legend says, it will lose its power. If you're a woman you must learn it from a man; if you are man from a woman. It is passed on when the bearer is old, as the bearer’s power is lost once the powers revealed. The use of garlic is another way to provide  protection which is to be placed in your pocket, a purse, closet or cupboard.

Favorite Sayings of the Greeks

From your mouth to God's ears.

Wine and children speak the truth.

Moderation in all things excellent.

When you get to the dance, you must dance.

Tell me who is your friend, and I shall tell you who you are. (You are judged by the company you keep.)

Blood cannot become water. (Blood is thicker than water.)

A true friend proves himself when needed.

Mend your own faults then look at mine.

Extend your legs only as far as your coverlet reaches. (Live within your means.)

Big Game Hunting

On February 13, 2013 Dan Donarski provided a very interesting presentation covering big game hunting for the Lake Superior Elders.  He started the presentation with telling us that hunting season lasted from July to December; however, his big game hunting company did not stay that long because it was raining too much.  They usually left by November.  The first discussion involved hunting elephants.  It was explained that elephants are nuisances. Elephants eat 200 lbs. of food and drink 180 gallons of water a day.  In Tanzania the elephants are destroying the land.  Their hunting group only shoots lone bulls, not herd ones when a question was brought up about how elephants mourn the loss of their elephant peers.

When an elephant is shot, which has to happen directly in the elephants head to reduce suffering and guarantee killing the elephant, a call goes in by short wave radio to the ranger station.  The group guards the elephant until people from a village come to strip it clean.  Nothing is wasted.  Leftovers are also given to the orphanages and prisons. An elephant can provide meat for an entire village. The hunting group pays the government for hunting licenses; however, the licenses are granted under a PAC agreement, Problem Animal Control.  Due to the U.S. Agriculture law, the group cannot bring parts of the elephant back to the U.S. except for the tusks which have to be stamped by the African government before they can leave the country. Some of the game can be sent if it is dipped and shipped in insecticide.  Game to be mounted can be brought to the U.S. if they are prepared properly.

Hunting lions is permitted in Tanzania.  The hunting group looks for lions whose noses are jet black which means they are four to six years old. The young lion’s nose is pink.  The group only hunts and kills the older lions who have strayed from the pack. It takes a pretty big gun and a lot of courage to kill a lion.  Their hunting group is permitted to hunt 6 lions per year. Believe it or not hippos kill more people more than lions do.  You can tell when an alligator killed a person because you can see no parts left from the human.  With hippos there are pieces left. 

The buffalo in Africa are the cheapest to hunt and the African government grants a lot of permits because they are so plentiful.  There are herds of 5,000 or more of the Cape Buffalo. When the hunter is hunting a buffalo they can be 50 yards from the buffalo; however, you can only be 25 yards from an elephant when you shoot the elephant.  You must be assured that you are going to hit the elephant in the right place otherwise the elephant can charge and cause a lot of damage.  Hunters have to prove that they have shooting abilities before they can go hunting. The people who live in Africa are not permitted to hunt game which I thought was amazing.  The government doesn’t want the villagers to be self-sufficient.  They want them to be reliant on hand outs to survive.

The cost of going on a hunting trip through Dan’s company to hunt in South Africa is approximately $9000 which includes air fare. This is for ten days in South Africa with two days of travel which includes hot and cold water, 3 fresh meals and shoots of 3-5 times. People also tag along to take pictures which costs $125 per day.  For hunters it is $450 for one client with one guidance and $350 for two customers with one guide.  Some of the royal party from Dubai pay for a hunting trip annually and he takes his own entourage from the United Arab Emirates.  Last year he spent approximately $150,000.  Their hunting group makes approximately 10% in profits from each customer. Customers are already booking for 2014. 

The camp in Tanzania includes tents that have thatch roofs to protect those inside from the rain. These tents are placed on large cement platforms and include showers, beds, etc.  These camps must be taken down and rebuilt each year to prevent poachers from using the camps in the off season.

The African police visit the camps to inspect the camps at least 3 times per year. The police check guns to see how many times they were fired and what type of ammunition you are using.  Laws are strict in Africa.  For example, if you lose a gun you can spend up to 20 years in jail. 

Mr. Donarski explained that the coolest animal to hunt is the leopard.  The leopard plays mind games and is the smartest animal he knows.  They know where you are and avoid those areas.  He managed to shoot a leopard after approximately 24 days. It has been known that eating part of the animal you killed is like eating part of its soul.  When he ate part of the leopard he killed he felt that he ate part of its soul and it made him feel powerful. 

The most dangerous areas to be in Africa are located in the northwest corner.  Victoria Falls for example is comprised of a lot of armed guards fighting over what appears to consist of religious undertones. Communism and the domino effect based on the Islamic faith.  There was a discussion about Christians being in the bush hiding until the time is right. Due to the corruption of some of the governmental officials, there are locations in Africa that are not safe to visit. Sounds like Mexico. 

Big game hunting excursions sound interesting and somewhat dangerous.  Snakes were mentioned, and Mr. Donarski only saw a few.  The animals who were planted where God intended are doing well.  Where humans planted them, these animals are not doing as well.  Activities, such as dam building by the U.S. and China, has also had a negative effect on the animals.  Otherwise, animals are plentiful and it is helpful to the inhabitants of Africa, especially the poor villagers that these hunts occur.