I hope that your day has gone well. My goodness, you know it is a special week when a Tuesday actually becomes a Friday. The Thanksgiving Break is now upon us with all of the accompanying jubilation. If you are travelling, we wish you a very safe and uneventful journey. Even if you are venturing out upon our local roadways, please prepare to exercise a little patience in the event of unexpected travel delays. We recognize once again that the holiday season marks an increase in social gatherings such as parties and other celebrations. The ramifications of those events unfortunately increases the potential for impaired drivers to be behind the wheel. Please exercise caution in driving defensively and always keep "an eye out" for that other driver.
You will notice that we are seeking to close the building during the majority of the Thanksgiving Break. A reprieve has indeed been well earned for both building infrastructure and humans alike. Abbreviated building hours are being offered on Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning for those hearty souls who may need campus accessibility. Should you choose to do that, dress appropriately as the building climate systems are being minimized during the break period. The building will be closed for the duration of the weekend. However, please note that provisions have been made to support the efforts of those individuals with specific events occurring. One example of those efforts involves the arrival of the Mirabal Students on Sunday.
Let me once again offer a unique "Ken Perspective" on this upcoming holiday. I had to smile when over the past few days I witnessed several news broadcasts involving psychologists offering advice. The discussions centered on the unique challenges regarding this year's family gatherings. Indeed, it has been a year of intense and often divisive dialogue involving political ideology. The level and tone of discourse in many aspects has been unprecedented. Accordingly, concerns now extend to discussions arising amid differing viewpoints. Disengage if possible from the "heavy talk" for a bit. Relax, unwind and simply attempt to enjoy the true spirit of the holiday in celebrating family and friends.
In closing, let us reflect back to simpler times and our childhood Thanksgiving Holidays. During those youthful years, I would largely avoid the table talk . My prominent goal was plotting a strategy to obtain dessert without eating the food I disliked. This objective involved a carefully implemented plot to stuff unwanted food items from my plate into my pockets. My corduroy pants would thus serve as a virtual food buffet. There would be broccoli in one pocket and cauliflower in another. The delight of seeing adults acknowledge my clean plate was confirmation of a successful mission. Bring on the sweet potato pie please. However, as we all know, even the best laid plans can go awry. My dear mom soon infiltrated that covert operation. In the end, the ability to provide an explanation for vegetables appearing in the laundry, proved to be very daunting indeed. Always remember to empty those pockets my friends.
On behalf of everyone in the Facilities Department, I would like to wish all of my colleagues a wonderful and fulfilling Thanksgiving Break.
Thank you and take care.
Ken
2016 THANKSGIVING BREAK BUILDING HOURS
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016- 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 24th, 2016- Thanksgiving Holiday- The Building will be Closed
Friday, November 25th, 2016- 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 26th, 2016- The Building will be Closed
Sunday, November 27th, 2016- The Building will be Closed